Ferris Wheel fun!

It’s not the summer for Bryan unless he goes to the annual Middletown Grange Fair. This event ranks up there in importance to his birthday, family vacations, and Christmas.

However, this year was different than the almost-forty years Bryan has attended with Ed and I. This time he invited his new roommate, Sean, to come with us. It was stifling hot on Saturday when we arrived. Sean had thought to bring water bottles for he and Bry which did help with the heat.

The carnival rides were up and running – a good way to cool off. I’m not sure if Sean had experienced some of these attractions before, but he gamely tried them, even while professing to have a fear of heights.

Each ride presented it’s own specific ambulatory complications. Bryan and Sean had difficulty getting onto each one they attempted. It made me somewhat sad to see the younger set bounding on and off each thing with ease, while Bryan and Sean sometimes needed assistance to get settled before the fun began. They remained undaunted, though, and tried their best to climb aboard each different challenge as it was presented.

The hang glider is Bryan’s favorite. A kindly ride attendant refused to take their tickets each time they cued up to ride again. More tickets to try more things! Sean closed his eyes during the “flight” to help him cope with his fear of heights. Bryan had a death-grip on the bar underneath him. Ed loved every minute!

Next up was the Ferris wheel. Another struggle for Sean. It warmed my heart to see Bryan, on one of the revolutions, lean over and pat Sean’s hand for reassurance when he began to get anxious suspended high in the air over the fairgrounds. Comforting his new-found friend. Sean was rather proud of himself for completing the ride without incident.

Bryan usually likes the “Pharoah’s Fury” – a large ship which swings up and down on a pendulum high into the sky. Ed and Sean got into line. Bryan held back. When I questioned him as to why he didn’t want to go on this ride as in the past he said, “I’m afraid my pneumonia will get worse.” He still has that fear of his breathing being compromised – of his breath taken away. We didn’t force him. Sean and Ed enjoyed the ride together while Bryan and I observed.

Afterwards, despite the merry-go-round being overrun by the under-five set, the guys were game for a spin. Ed had to ride along incase of balance issues and to help the boys climb onto the horses – a real challenge for them both.

Time for the coups de grace of the evening – the chicken dinner. Half of a barbecued chicken, homemade potato salad and baked beans, fresh corn on the cob, roll and butter and – a chocolate gob (although those of you from this end of PA will call this delicious dessert a “whoopie pie”.) The paper plates were licked clean by all!

Knowing that going back on the rides immediately after the feast was NOT a great idea, we cued up to watch the tractor parade. I guess it’s a “guy thing”, because they loved it. Our dinner “neighbor” was featured on his antique Farmall tractor and he waved to us as we watched. After the parade, he kept the tractor running and allowed the guys to climb aboard and open the throttle – a special treat for them both. Bryan regaled Mike, our new-found friend, with tales of his Cousin Rog who used to take him for rides on the farm when he was younger. They were in their glory.

A tour through all the animal barns was a new experience for Sean, who was particularly smitten by “Oreo”, the guinea pig which he enjoyed petting and the friendly shorn sheep who sidled up for a scratch on the head.

Back to the rides we went for more fun. Sean cajoled me into trying the Ferris Wheel this time. I share his fear of heights, but I decided to go for it. He watched me warily as we ascending high over the fair. As we counted the revolutions of the large circle, he encouraged me by letting me know how well I was doing. Afterwards, we shared a high five after conquering the circular beast. A great feeling of accomplishment for the two of us!

To top off the evening, it just isn’t the Grange Fair without the obligatory funnel cake, shared amongst the four of us. And, the large bag of freshly popped, still-warm kettle corn.

We left the Grange hot, dusty, tired and full. But there was a good feeling in the air – Bryan has a new friend to share things with now. A positive change in this life of his that has had so many changes recently.