Jack hesitated as we walked through the gate. He eyed the Merry-Go-Round suspiciously.
I stepped onto the platform. The colorful horses beckoned us to go for a ride.
I felt him squirm in my arms, wanting to get away.
I sat him on the horse and pulled the belt tight. He looked at me with tears in his eyes and said, as he always does when he doesn’t want to do something, “no, no, okay”.
But I pulled myself on top of the horse and wrapped my arms around him.
And repeated a chorus of, “it’s going to be okay, Mama is here” to each of his, “no, no, okays”.
And I thought we should call it quits. Get off the ride and abandon the evening at the amusement park.
But I waited because I knew he would like it, knew he would enjoy it, knew that this was something we could over come.
He glanced at the lights and the mirrors and I felt him relax.
He leaned against me and as the music started and the horse moved up he smiled, then laughed.
And as we turned the corner he waved to his Daddy.
There we were riding the carousel, such a simple thing really.
A menagerie of horses, dragons and rabbits moving to the music and my boy in my arms happy and excited.
And in that moment I smiled bigger and brighter than I had in a long time.
A perfect moment in what has been a summer marked with imperfections.
The ride stopped and he ran past his Daddy to the gate of the Merry- Go-Round, ready to ride again.
I fished the tickets out of my pocket, anticipating another ride with my guy.
I'm so glad he liked it! Our son is still not a fan. Isn't that moment when you're kind of forcing your kid to try something new and scary so frustrating? You half feel like a bad mom, but you know you have to push, just a little bit!
It is so scary and frustrating because you know they will like it, they just need to get used to it.
Oh, so sweet! What a great picture. My oldest still won't ride by himself…he's always wanting to sit on the carousel bench. You know the one? But the girls love it!
We have road on the bench many a time.
That brought back memories…of my own first ride on a merry-go-round no less. I think I was three. I had told everyone how I was going to the fair and riding on a carousel pony. Then I remember being on the ride and being terrified — thinking this is not at all what I imagined. Ha. Kind of like life. Glad the ride turned out great for your little guy.
So glad this brought back memories for you, thanks for stopping by .
Oh, that made me tear up (truly). You just had such a wonderful mommy moment! That feeling when they relax and it is all because you are with them is priceless.
Love this photo of the two of you!!
Aww thank you 🙂 the moment really was priceless .
Great picture of you two!
My kids are 15 and 11 years old and we just went to an old village museum that had a carousel like that. They loved it!
Thank you! I think you can love the carousel no matter what age you are.
Things are like that with my youngest daughter. Last week we were at the lake but she didn't want to go in. My husband put her in the water with him and she cried for a minute until she realized she liked the water and then she had a blast.
I was always that kid who was scared of everything but then liked it once I tried it.
My middle girl was always so scared, too – now she loves it! Loved your words – and picture.
Thank you!
Aw. I hope that he becomes a fan soon enough.
We are getting there, I think he will like all the rides at some point.
How sweet and very beautifully written!
How sweet! I can't wait to have these moments with our little one once he's here 🙂
Discovered you on SITS. Can't wait to read more!
http://www.prettiestwhenhappy.blogspot.com
Thank you and I can't wait to check out your blog.
What a lovely post!! I'm glad that he had fun – and you did too!! 🙂
Visiting from Saturday Sharefest
Thank you and thanks for stopping by
What a beautiful story! One moment of many! Found you on Sharefest!
Thank you! I love the way one moment can be so special.
That's so sweet! My little guy was so freaked out his first time too. But its so fun to watch them transform as they learn to love it!
I imagine it's a little scary for kids, the first time on a ride. I mean those horses can look a little creepy. But watching them transform is amazing.