One Good Thing Every Day: January 9, 2013

I rode this roller-coaster-day with its car-jarring, chain-yanking, track-clacking climbs. At each crest, I sensed the release into exhilarating descent only to halt at the base of the next hill. By the end of the day, the ride seemed pointless, like amusement disguised as a bad joke.

Roller coasters are best ridden with others, and I never ride mine alone. If I forget that, it's because I've closed my eyes too tight. Opening my eyes, I see the hands gripped with mine on the safety bar. They lift mine up to feel the momentary thrills. I always surprise myself by smiling.