Let's Go Again! A Note From Jan.

Kristina, Maggie, Katharan Poco Blossom and I landed in Florida late yesterday afternoon. When we exited the airport, wide-eyed and squealing like we’d just breathed in summertime, Kristina said, ”Don’t be scared, girls. This is called heat and humidity.  And don’t be shocked. These are called palm trees, and those are flowers!”    Nothing like landing in Ahhhs, after a record-breaking winter.

Layered clothing disappeared to accommodate heat and humidity.  After listening to icicles dripping for weeks, it felt good to be the drip for a change.

We are in the land of princesses and large mice. Perfectly designed by Disney. And I am reminded why Chad doesn’t want his daughters falling under the spell of such strategic marketers. We’ve designated Wednesday as our day at Disney World. ‘ Today was the great unveiling of my new swim suit, the one I bought at Lord and Taylor after being prayed for in the handbag aisle. Kristina gave me a thumbs up on the suit. The grands only see a grandmother who loves being with them.  After splashing about awhile, Kristina and Maggie decided to try out the waterslide.  Poco and I watched and cheered. After Maggie popped up like a sputtering cork, she said, ”Momo, come with me on the slide.” I did the unthinkable and said, ”Sure!”

Next thing I know I’m climbing stairs. Lots of stairs! Double knotting the straps on my swimsuit as I climbed, making sure there’d be no repeat of my personal shame when I was 14.  Swimming at Mooney’s Lake in Atlanta, I joined a throng of other teens and climbed the steps of the water slide, a much smaller one than today’s.  As I descended,  something caught and peeled the top half of my suit to my waist. I learned that humiliation extends your capacity to hold your breath underwater! All that’s to say, today I took care to make sure I did nothing to “bring shame upon my family,” which is something I heard more than once growing up.

Once at the top, I thought, “What are you doing here!?  You’re crazy!  …  No, you’re a grandmother, that’s what and that’s why! So suck in your stomach and move!  You’re holding up the line … a long line!” So I grabbed hold of the bar, slid under it and thought of singing a verse or two of, ”Lord, I’m coming home.” Then thought, “Jud, I may see you soon.”

Having watched various sliding techniques, I debated bringing out an original—the fetal position, thumb in mouth, or backwards with a bag over my head. Then something took hold, probably a Jud nudge, and I hit the slide with abandon, arms over my head, like those commercials of happy folks on a roller coaster. People who, once released from captivity, probably find the nearest spot to hurl the contents of their stomachs! I hit the water with enough force to clear my sinuses for weeks. Shot up to see and hear Kristina and Poco cheering, hugging me, yelling, “Yea, Momo!” Followed by Maggie splashing down, bobbing up, and then wrapping her spindly legs around me, squealing, “Let’s go again!”

Life. Each day another chance to hit the slide with faith-filled abandon, fling my arms over my head, grab hold of God and squeal, “Let’s go again!” This gift called life. Hot, humid and Holy Monday!