Roller Coasters with Ethan

     I am a roller coaster fanatic.  My Mom got me hooked in childhood and I've never looked back.  I wore high wedges as a kid to get on the big one sooner than I should have.  It was worth it.  My daughter follows in my footsteps.  My little guy is a bit more cautious about life.  A tad bit more sensitive with things.  I was careful with this one.  I wanted to find just the right time to celebrate the next level.  We headed to our beloved Knoebel's Grove  for the annual (almost) end of school celebration.  We were early this year but Gramary was visiting and the special ride all day price was too good to pass up. 
    We shot for the flume first.  The steep drop that made him cry and yell at me last year was a breeze this year.  I told him that he completed the first level.  The Twister is a grown up coaster.  It's serious.  I thought, no way!  But he loved it.  I found the trick was to tell him when the first big drop was over with...he then relaxed and enjoyed the ride as well as swelled with pride that he conquered his fear.  Level 2 complete.  We saved up for the big one.  The Phoenix is a fast coaster with a decent drop and some amazing g force hills.  He rocked that one as well.  Level 3 accomplished. 
    As we got on and off of the rides and waited in lines he held my hand.  This little boy is growing up quickly and somewhere in this age is a balance between bold and fearful.  He is gathering momentum and I want to be sure he knows it is safe.  I am careful not to push.  I am also careful not to inhibit.  I let him guide me as I guide him back.  A nudge here.  Extra protection there.  For each kiddie ride that he outgrows there is a new big kid ride that we get to enjoy together.  This is how I parent as to not have my heart ripped from my chest at all milestones.   For every one thing you gain you must say goodbye to another.  It is the gain that I focus on.  The memories are tucked for safekeeping but they aren't causes of sadness.  I guess the roller coaster was more symbolic than I realized that warm and sunny day...ups and downs are what makes it all so thrilling and now I have a new partner to ride with!