The Matterhorn Ride, March 26, 2014

Forty-nine years and 10 months after my first ride on the Matterhorn Mountain at Disneyland, California, I took my second chance on the same ride.

After all, I am in Fantasyland.

What did I expect? I did not know what to expect 49 years ago, and was not sure how wild the ride would be today.

In May 1964, I was on the same ride with my better half, my dear Raj. At the time, twenty three years young, and in this country for just three months, we were naïve about roller coaster rides.

Now I am back here with my 13 year old grandson, sans grandpa.

As we waited to board he bob-sleds I reached the conclusion that maybe I have chewed off more than I should. But, seeing how my grandson was taking the ride, my pride would not let me step down.  We loaded the bobsleds.

Off we went. Pitch black. I could not see anything in front of me, and could not make out the profiles of my daughter or her husband in the car ahead of me. A loud noise kept getting louder and louder. Then it hit me. The rumble that was getting louder was the rolling of the car I was in. I stopped breathing. Oops. Now we are out of the dark tunnel and barreling fast on a downhill track. My stomach felt in a knot and churned up into my chest. I heard screams: In few seconds I realized it was my voice screaming.

I had no time to acknowledge that I was scared. The cars were on a smooth surface and chugging along, giving a false sense of security before it speeded uphill and dropped again. My eyes closed, I heard the screams again. Then, sunlight and the ride slowed, and rolled into the station.

I tumbled out, laughing hysterically. At 23, I did not know better. What was my excuse now?

At least I was not sitting home pining for my husband Raj who passed away three years ago. At least I was screaming alongside my 13 year old grandson, making memories to share with his progeny when I am gone.

I wish Raj was here to hear me, even if he did not share the ride with me. Oh, well. I am happy I can still remember the thrill I had on the same ride, holding his hands, all those years ago.

Wow!

I am a young 73 year old, now.

I had a wonderful time, when I was interviewed by Mr. Eddie Griffin at

Shaku and Eddie Griffin, WTTW, Chicago

WTTW, Channel 11, PBS Chicago, last Monday.

We talked about my memories of Chicago in the 1970s and early 80s.

It was a time when, having completed my Residency in Pathology, I was starting my career as a Pathologist and Director of Laboratories at Westlake Community Hospital in Melrose Park, Illinois.  Being very close to Chicago, and since I was still teaching at the Northwestern Medical school, I spent quite a bit of time in Chicago.

What happened in Chicago affected me and my family, and I have always felt the city of Chicago had offered many opportunities to help me grow and prosper in my professional and personal life.

The City, The Lake, the Cultural and Art Scenes, as well as the Chicago Politics and the prominent part Chicago played in the Nation’s History, all of it taught me life- lessons as I ‘grew up’ in Chicago and suburbs.

Two weeks ago, when Eddie first spoke to me on the telephone for almost an hour I was happy to share my memories of the time with him.  I am pleased he felt they were appropriate for his segment on “Remembering Chicago: The 70s and 80s.” for WTTW.  I am looking forward to the program which will be aired in November, 2012.

More information on the date and time to follow…….