By Parenting in the Real World

Embracing Your Roller Coaster

Nov 26, 2010 | 9:36 AM

I was recently visiting with a friend and he shared his recollection of his first roller coaster ride in Las Vegas.

He described, with excitement, this unpredictable rush that happened so fast. He expressively recaptured the exhilarating experience of the ride as it shot out into the unknown and dipped and turned and plunged in all directions. He described his adrenalin, shock, horror, dismay and exhilaration as the ride appeared to be coming to an end and then the ride shot into reverse and he repeated the whole experience backwards.

I listened intently wondering if I would ever get the opportunity, or the nerve, to experience such an event.

Later that same week I was reminded by a friend that I have experienced those same feelings without the Las Vegas coaster.

My friend and I were discussing raising kids. We discussed the dismay, horror and confusing exhilaration which we had never anticipated experiencing. We candidly shared our heart`s struggles and our hopes for our children. We shared the shock of how challenging parenting was and our astonishment at the unpredictability of family life. The feelings of living life backwards from what we once anticipated were mutual.

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I now can reflect on these two conversations and acknowledge that parenting has been my own roller coaster. And like my friend’s Vegas experience, if I could turn back time I would get on the ride again without hesitation.

Through the tears, sorrows, horror, dismay, elation and confusion is joy, peace and love. I now accept that I did not anticipate a roller coaster but the ride has been worth it. I challenge other parents to embrace your own roller coasters. Raising kids comes with twists turns unexpected feelings and sometimes nausea but you are not alone. I pray these words bring you comfort on your ride.