This happened on October 6, 2018. This is a feeling everyone dreads. The butterflies in your stomach, sweaty hands, adrenaline pumping through your muscles.  It will happen to you in different situations, but I am here to tell you mine.

We had arrived at Six Flags Great America. The heart of Gurnee Illinois. It was a bright sunny 10:00 am and the park had just opened. WOOOOSH. As we’re stepping out of the car superman had just flown past us. The wind hitting my face made me go numb. This was fear.

I zone out as we walk through the 50 American flags at the entrance. My shaking, sweaty hand giving my ticket to the worker. My mind racing, wondering if today will be my last breath. 

The line is short, full of excited kids. My friends comforting me while cracking jokes soothes my goosebumps. Time has never gone so fast as I thought about being at the top of the first hill. 

Soon enough the gate was opening in front of me where the next steps were to sit on the train. Click, click, click. I am locked in. Nothing else I can do. This is it. My fear of heights has never been so intense until this moment of riding to the top.

The train cart releases from the chain. Now gravity will do its work. WOOOOSH. That same wind that hit me from before has never felt so good. My sick face turned into a Ronald McDonald smile. I have conquered this terror.