Good Things Are Worth the Wait

Posted byAbPosted inADHD, adoption, FASD, Fun, Parenting, summer, TorontoTags:, , , ,

2 siblings, 2 generations of cousins, and T’s 1st summer tall enough to go on the biggest of the big roller coasters at Canada’s Wonderland.

The hubby’s sister and her daughter, T’s beloved cousin, A, visited us over Labour Day weekend.

They were in town from New Brunswick to watch the Dua Lipa concert on Labour Day and spent the preceding three days with us.

On Saturday, we headed to Canada’s Wonderland, the first time the cousins went together since 2022.

T was now finally one inch past the minimum requirement – 4 feet and 6 inches – to go on the two biggest rides: Behemoth and Leviathan.

The latter ride opened in 2012 and the hubby and I never got to go on it because of T.

The 10+ year wait was worth it. The ride was amazing!

Named after a mythical sea creature, the 1.7km long coaster reached a top speed of 148 km/h after a whopping first 80 degree drop from 93m high.

My cousin and T’s uncle J also came with us.

As our coaster made the steep ascent up the first hill and the only thing keeping us safe was a seatbelt and lap restraint, I started to question my life choices.

As our train made the skin-crawling turn downwards, I felt the scream rise to my throat.

It was then two minutes of uncontrollable screaming and laughing. Then it was done.

T was stunned speechless for a short moment. Then said he loved it!

Good things in life are worth the wait.

A 7-year adoption journey to be matched with T.

T saying his first words, finishing his first chapter book, learning to ride his bike and to swim.

There is no set time for when the good things can happen or be experienced.

This is certainly true on the FASD caregiving journey.

I remind myself – especially during the hardest moments – we’re moving at our own pace.

When the thrills come, take the moment to enjoy them – because it ends in a flash.

We arrived at 9:45 am and left at 9:00 pm.

The last ride we went on was Alpen Fury, which newly opened in July.

Billed as the fastest, tallest and longest launch coaster in Canada – and holding the current world record of 9 inversions in a single ride – the hype was real.

We waited in line for 2.5 hours. T was very restless and fidgety – and we unfortunately did not give him his evening medication – and his disregulated state tested all of our patience.

But we got to the end of the line – after the sun had set – and oh my goodness, believe the hype. The ride was absolutely incredible!

It was like riding a rocket and there were even moments our bodies lifted off the seat as we twisted and turned at a speed of 115 km/h.

By the end of the ride, our group of 18 riders clapped and cheered. T said it was the best ride he’d ever been on.

And just like that, summer break has also come to an end.

I wish all kids, caregivers and educators a great back to school – God help us all – and happiness, growth, fun and success in the year ahead.

Despite what my face says, I loved Alpen Fury! 😂

48 thoughts on “Good Things Are Worth the Wait”

  4. OMG! your face!!!!! on that photo – priceless! I used to love rollercoasters and scary rides!

    I love your insights, all parents need to read your wise words – (my grandson with ADHD gets a disability pass so he and family do not need to wait excessively on line – do they have that at Wonderland?) I can’t imagine my grandson waiting 2.5 hours – bravo to T!

    Love your writing, Ab

    V

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    1. Thanks Vickie. The facial reaction made me laugh too because it was certainly unplanned. 🤣

      And I appreciate your continued encouragement. I did hear about the disability pass and I definitely should look into that!!!

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  6. This looks so much fun! I’m happy to know that T really enjoyed the rides, so that later in life he will truly understand the meaning of “like a roller coaster”. 😆 The videos are a reminder that some things are worth the wait, although in the end they end up really fast. But the feelings will linger and they create memories we will forever cherish.

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  7. Yay for T being tall enough to ride the bigger roller coasters at Canada’s Wonderland. And how fun to share that experience with family! You’re absolutely right about how good things in life are worth the wait and there’s no set timeframe for many milestones in life. It makes us appreciate them more when they happen! I haven’t been to Canada’s Wonderland in years. It’ll be fun to take M there when she’s a bit older. P.S. I couldn’t help but laugh at your face while riding Alpen Fury! So good!

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    1. Thanks Linda. It’s nice to enjoy things together with family, especially a cousin whom I’ve known since we were younger than T is now.

      I hope you’ll get to enjoy Wonderland with M. The kids section is so friendly and can easily fill your day. She will love it!

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      1. I’ve actually never been to the kids section at Wonderland. So I’m sure everything will be new and exciting for us adults too. I’m not sure I could handle the crowds though. I can’t believe how long you waited in line for the Alpen Fury!

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    1. Thanks Margie. Life flies. Grade 5 already. 💕 The best people to ride coasters are those who wouldn’t want to caught on one. I think you’d get the biggest thrill! 😊

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  10. Wow, I hadn’t realized you had a 7-year adoption journey to be matched with T. Yes, good things are, in fact, worth the wait. So fun that T was able to ride the roller coaster!

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  11. OMG – your face on the FunPix is priceless!! You are a good sport to go on at all – holy smokes!! Love your reminder that we’re moving at our own pace and we don’t know when the thrills will come. Beautiful.

    And here’s to happiness, growth, fun and success in the year ahead — yes! Hope T’s first day was great!

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    1. The FunPix made me laugh when I saw it. 😂 I had to snap the photo really quickly before the preview went away.

      The first day of school went well. 2 days in the can. Hope your first day went well over there too!

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  14. Sharing new milestones with your child is one of the best parts of being a parent. I haven’t been on any rides in a few years, but I love most roller coasters. The rides I try to avoid are the ones that drop straight down at what feels like 100 mph. or the ones that spin so much they make me sick.

    Kudos to T and the rest of you for standing in line that long. The most I’ve ever done is one hour.

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    1. Thanks Pete! The big drops are certainly queasy feeling. I’m a masochist for both dreading them but also unable to resist them. 🤣 The wait was insane but also worth it in the end!

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  17. Nearly 12 hours at Canada’s Wonderland, that’s impressive! It sounds like it was a perfect extended family outing that will be remembered for years to come. Me, I wouldn’t have gotten on one of those scary ridings for love nor money!! 😂 Happy back-to-school time, Ab.

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    1. It was a great day, Jane. And the longest we stayed at the park. T could’ve stayed longer but it had to close. 🤣 Your grandkids would enjoy it if they were ever in Toronto!

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