
Darryl and I often said that our life, over the past seventeen years, had taken on the quality of being on a roller coaster. There were so many adjustments we made, changes that were necessary as we faced one crisis after another. Our trip to Europe in 2001 was the ultimate roller coaster ride. We hired a car and 45,000 kilometres and six months later arrived back in Paris. We never had one forward booking because we said that if we did not know where we were going we could not get lost.
During those last days in Paris we caught the train and visited Paris Disneyland. Over the years I had steadfastly refused to go on roller coasters and I can have panic attacks if I am so much as ten feet above the ground. I recall crying because I did not want to ride the cable car up to the famous Ice Caves in Austria but Darryl coaxed me and I am so glad that I saw that wonder of the world.
So it took Darryl totally by surprise when, like a crazed woman, I insisted we go on all the rides at Disneyworld. I was not overly impressed with the place and it was simply a matter of extracting value for money.
The ride was spectacular to say the least. Happily we were in the dark but the camera caught it all, captured so perfectly our life, our roller coaster ride.
Needless to say this photograph took pride of place on the alter in the room on the day of Darryl’s funeral.
Heather Blakey


12 comments
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February 12, 2007 at 4:37 am
quinncreative
What a great photograph! There seems to be a mix of fun, excitement and fear! Just like real life, this roller coaster!
February 12, 2007 at 5:39 am
cronelogical
So that’s what you were up to while the rest of us stayed at home! what memories to keep. Wonderful picture indeed, Fran
February 12, 2007 at 11:43 am
gailkav
A marvellous photo - you both look so happy. Laurie still has the scars of my nails embedded in his shoulder from the one time he persuaded me to go on a roller coaster. Glad you were able to let Darryl off scar free.
February 12, 2007 at 3:44 pm
pollygraph
Just Perfect!
February 12, 2007 at 3:48 pm
soulsister
This is such a great photo!! What a wonderful memory to have and to hold. But who managed to take the photo????
February 12, 2007 at 5:31 pm
amazonratz
What a fabulous photo! You both look full of joy, even with the fear of the next big plunge!
February 12, 2007 at 5:33 pm
Lori
What a fun memory to have. (Darryl reminds me a bit of Christopher Plummer.)
February 12, 2007 at 6:37 pm
traveller2006
I have shared exactly the same feelings when going on a roller coaster - more fear than pleasure - but what a great picture!
February 12, 2007 at 7:52 pm
Literary Bohemian
How cute! Heather you look so scared! But your lover looks absolutely thrilled. I can see both of your personalities in this photo. Its gorgeous. thank you for sharing it!
February 12, 2007 at 8:45 pm
Heather Blakey
This is one of my favourite photos of us. We have all those standard ones but this one captures so much of who we were and how we lived. Darryl could be a bit of a bully boy when it came to fun parks and heights and I have numerous stories - but I was victorious on this day. He had a sore back afterwards and told everyone what a crazed woman I was, that I passed signs that warned people with heart conditions not to go on this ride and so on. It was all a hoot really and such a wonderful memory.
February 13, 2007 at 2:54 pm
jan2
A photo running over with life and joy. A great memory to keep for all time.
May 5, 2008 at 1:35 am
rocquesbiz
Awesome photograph. I will be sharing this with my blogging class tomorrow if you do not mind. I love the whole post and the memories you have and the post you made were an added benefit. Thanks for sharing this moment.