Going for a Ride

Somewhere, buried way back in here, I mentioned how I never see any of those coin operated kiddie rides around anymore. Well, as luck would have it (luck?), I spotted one of them on my way into a supermarket the other day.

When I passed the ride, it didn’t hit me and I almost walked right by it. I did a double take and went back to take the photo. I was thinking at the time that it was too bad that there wasn’t some little kid riding it- so I could get a shot of the thing in action. In hindsight, I’m thinking it was probably better that there wasn’t some kid on it. A weirdo standing around, taking pictures of little kids they don’t know, probably isn't the greatest idea.

Here's a photo I took of Helaina and Rachael riding one of these kinds of rides. This little merry-go-round was one of several of these kinds of rides which stood in front of the mini-golf which in turn stood forever in the center of Hyannis. I remember taking this picture, but even more clearly, I remember the feelings of that moment.

Even without the photo, I can still feel the enjoyment of watching them have fun on this ride. And I remember wondering if they would still be interested if were were able to come back a year later. And I remember wondering what events might take place in the time in between.

Going on these rides was a little bit different down at the mall or at a nearby store. I didn't really think about those things. I guess that was because the rides were nearby and that made them more a part of everyday life- and everyday life evolves a page at a time. But annual events, like vacations and holidays- they change by chapters and volumes.

The girl’s interest in this ride lasted another year or so beyond when the photo was taken. Jake’s interest was only slightly longer and Sam was only interested in these kinds of things when they weren’t moving at all.

Their changing interests in things like this happened so gradually that it was hard to notice at the time. Other interests washed on shore and took their place as older interests drifted away, never even leaving a void- at least never leaving one that was apparent at the time.