Mother’s Day

Hello, PointBuzz friends.
No, this is not a “How busy is Mother’s Day?” thread. Instead, I’m feeling sentimental today so permit me to regale you with my favorite Cedar Point-related story about my mother.

I was born in October 1954, in Sandusky Ohio. She was pregnant with me throughout that pre-air conditioned summer and found, maybe due to the heat, that she craved sno cones. The purple ones, to be exact. So just about every night she made my dad put her in their little convertible and take her to Cedar Point so she could get one. The park was pretty crappy then, so they’d drive down the Chausee, park on the sand somewhere, and walk the midways or sit on the hotel patio while she sipped on her favorite treat. It was their tradition, either shared alone or sometimes with another couple or two.
We lived in Cleveland in the early 60’s when Cedar Point started to become what we know today and they were excited to take me to the park where they’d spent so many evenings. Well, Dad was. My mom wasn’t much of a rider at all- her wildest rides were Mill Race, Western Cruise, and the train, but dad would take me on the thrill rides. She spent most of the time pulling the wagon containing my baby brother, snacks, and on a couple of trips our family dog. (No kidding). It was the outing I most looked forward to each summer.

After I grew up I continued to visit Cedar Point each season and Mom and Dad stopped going. For many years my personal tradition was to take vacation, and get the cheapest room at The Breakers for the first week the park was open, usually starting the evening of Mother’s Day Sunday. Early that day I’d throw a bag in the car and head out to brunch with my family to celebrate. When brunch was done, and sometimes after a stop at the house, I’d start the 2.5 hour drive to Sandusky. I did that for years- Mom always acted a little miffed that I’d think to leave her, but she also understood my passion for the place. So with a kiss, off I’d go.

We lost our mother in July of 2006. When my traditional week off in 2007 rolled around things sure were the same, but sadly, without a Mother’s Day brunch with everyone. I had been very eager to get to the park as it was the premier year for Maverick. My hope for a good time was dashed with the delayed opening, but the hotel was paid for and vacation had been scheduled so I had no choice but to make the best of it.
The drive up there that day seemed strange. I was in no particular hurry and took my time. On the way up I thought a lot about Mom, and my first Mother’s Day without her. I also wondered if my love for Cedar Point wasn’t on account of those summer evenings I spent at the park in-utero. I’d had to get my carnival blood from somewhere, right? I got to the peninsula, checked into my crappy room over the front hallway, and made my way to the gate. I was in no particular hurry, so I decided to head back to Frontiertown to grab a beer and stare at the completed Maverick through the fence. As I crossed the railroad tracks I spotted a brand new concession stand on the left that I didn’t remember hearing anything about at all. (You know, we Cedar Point fans were supposed to know everything, right?) Curious, I walked up to the not quite completed little shack and looked up at the sign over the window. It said “Sno Cones”.
Aw, Mom. Seriously?
I don’t have to tell you that tears welled up in my eyes and I went to the nearest bench, plopped down, and buried my face in my hands for out of control sobbing. Passersby stared at me, I’m sure, but I didn’t care. And when I was finally able to collect myself that cold beer tasted mighty good. And as I stared at Maverick my disappointment vanished and I had one of those life moments when everything suddenly falls into perspective.

So kids, take this day to visit with your mom. Hug her and thank her for giving you life. And moms, take this day to visit with your kids. Hug them and thank them for giving you life. Because that’s how it works.

What a wonderful story.

Beautiful story, RCMAC. It’s the memories like those we will never forget. It’s amazing the signs they send us or some may even call it a coincidence. But, very heartfelt my friend.

I'll concur. That's a gorgeous story, I'm welling up over here. :,-) Thanks so much for sharing it.

Great story. I want to get a sno cone now.

I got my love of rides from my mother, to the extent of my first visit to Cedar Point was 4-5 months before I was born.

Such a sweet story! I teared up a bit at the end. Would make a real tear jerker of a commercial :)

I got my love of rides from my mother. I can still see my dad sitting on a bench holding mom's purse as she took us kids off to ride something.

Mom was 64 the first time she rode Magnum. When she got off we asked her how she liked it. She said she forgot to look for Canada. So we got in line and rode it again.

When mom was in her 70's we rode Thunder Canyon. After the first lap she and my aunt did not get wet. She said we are riding this thing until we all get soaked. It took four tries.

Great story RCMAC. I think a lot of us got the CP bug from our parents. I can still remember my first trip in 1982. I froze up on the cargo net in Kid Arthur's Court and my Dad had to come rescue me. Also my first roller coaster (Jr. Gemini) and the first time I had vinegar french fries!