My first trip to Disney Land was when I was in fifth grade. It was the big family trip. They’ve built a lot more rides since then and I’ve been on most of them.
At the time, the Matterhorn was the ride. A big white mountain loomed above us as we excitedly waited in line. I had no reservation at the time. It looked like nothing but fun.
They sat my big sister and me into a pod, connected to several other pods. I was situation between her legs. The ride started with a little jerk but once we began the uphill climb, we could hear the click, click, click as the gears pulled us upward. I remember how the inside wasn’t so impressive and rather dark but I kept my eye on the light ahead of us that would shoot us into our adventure.
The moment it took off, I was sure I’d made a horrible mistake. I Was Going To Die! I closed my eyes and began screaming at the top of my lungs, “Oh Lord, protect me. Oh Lord, protect me.” My sister on the other hand was laughing and having a grand time. I guess I embarrassed her. Her hand clamped tightly over my mouth.
Things began to slow down. I felt a wave of relief…it was coming to an end. I peeled my sister’s hand off my face and opened my eyes. To my dismay, we were just rounding a very high spot on the ride that overlooked the park. As soon as it took off, I began again. “Oh Lord, protect me. Oh Lord, protect me.”
I chanted, loudly, all the way to the end. I was never so happy to get off a ride. I didn’t even care that in a couple pods behind us was a priest who, obviously had heard me and couldn’t stop laughing.
God had answered my prayer. I had survived. I would live to tell about it.