P.J.’s Journey: Roller Coaster of Love

The last time we went to Disney World, in 2005, P.J. was 12.  We hadn’t been to any amusement parks in years, so this was the first time that he was old enough to really enjoy the “fun” rides.  Josh was only 5 at the time, so he couldn’t go on any of the big rides, and A.J. is not real fond of some types of roller coasters, so I was drafted to be P.J.’s riding partner.  I drew the line at going on the Tower of Terror more than once, but there were several rides, like the “Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster” that we rode over and over again.  To be totally honest, by the 3rd time, I was ready to barf, but P.J. was having such a good time I couldn’t deny him the enjoyment.

Right now, we are riding a roller coaster together.  Unfortunately, A.J. and Josh and the rest our family and friends are forced to ride it with us, whether they like it or not.  Every day seems to bring different news.  First it looked really bad, then things got better, then he was in a coma, then he was awake, then he was off the ventilator, then he was back on it.  It has been one or two steps forward and one or two steps back from day to day, and sometimes from hour to hour.  Quite frankly, it stinks.  I am hating this ride, wishing I could take P.J.’s place in that bed.  I’m sure A.J. feels the same way, but we know that God has a plan for all of this and are anxious to see what that will be.

A.J., who has never really cared for roller coasters and never even tolerated them as much as I, has been doing a better job of coping these last few days.  It’s no coincidence that he and I are married… I am certain that God put us together because we complement each other so well.  He is strong when I am weak and I am strong when he is weak.  These last few days, he’s been the strong one and I am so thankful to have him.

After the 3rd time on the “Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster” at Disney, I was ready to throw up.  These last 16 days have had me to that point on more than one occasion.  A friend told me today that she doesn’t know how I just don’t crawl in in hole and hide.  I am sick of this roller coaster… I think we all are.  But, as I did when P.J. was 12, I will continue to ride as long as I have to because I love P.J. so much and I want to be by his side for this journey.   Thank you and God bless you all for taking the ride with us.

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