We ran hand in hand to the entrance of the amusement park and pressed ourselves tightly to the locked gate. “If only they would open!” we lamented, literally wishing time away so that we might begin to experience all of the amenities that the park had to offer. While we waited for what seemed to be an eternity, we huddled, talked and planned of how together; we could best fully enjoy the happiness that surely awaited us. After spending a few moments basking in the brilliance of our partnership, our giddiness overcame us, and we once again rushed the gate. To our great surprise, it was unlocked, and we crashed thru and landed in a tangled heap on the ground. Picking ourselves up, we dusted off and began to familiarize ourselves with this strange new world into which we had plunged. What a beautiful world it was, full of unbridled excitement!  We loved it all, embracing new experiences, repeating the ones we enjoyed and forgetting those that we didn’t. It was better than we ever could have imagined! We were so happy!

     Sadly, as the day approached late afternoon, just as we were about to explore a newly discovered and yet unseen part of the park, you ran ahead, and I lost you. I tried to run after you but I was stopped and told that I could not follow the path that you had taken. Instead, I was directed to a queue that led to an ominous rollercoaster that appeared to have no end. This coaster was unlike any I had ever ridden. Its track hugged close to the ground, with no elevation in sight, and would frequently, without warning, plunge into a deep, dark abyss, taking me down to depths to which I had never been before. Just as it would get to the point that I felt I could no longer take, it would slowly begin its ascent to ground level. Over and over this nightmare would repeat itself, and each time I returned to the surface I would strain with all of my power to try to see you, to catch a glimpse of you and the beautiful happiness that we had created, looking desperately for a sign, any sign that you were still in our little world. You were not. Now I endure this never ending roller coaster ride in a world that once belonged to us, and try to make sense of how something so beautiful and glorious could end so tragically. How I wish I knew why…..

Mike D