Summer Pleasure Two: Dollywood

For Ansley's last day of special time with us, we decided to go to Dollywood. At the last minute (Saturday morning) we thought it might be fun to invite her friend Rylee with us as a special surprise.

Good to know for next time: Ansley doesn't really like surprises. She loved the idea of Rylee coming with us, but didn't like the "surprise" element and went running back to the car. But the whole way there, they were giggling and chatting and being silly girls.

I snapped this right before we headed in. Aren't they cute? It must've been really bright out that morning. That, or I need a new camera. Either way, we chose to go to Dollywood on the busiest day of the year, according to the comedian tram driver who took us into the park.

 

It's weird, hindsight. Now looking back at these pictures, it makes me realize how quickly things can happen, things you have no control over. God knew the events that would transpire, but we, we had no idea.

And so we enjoyed our day at Dollywood. These two were inseparable, holding hands through the park and giggling on all the rides together. We got the Fast Pass again, so we rode the River Rampage twice. Ansley made up the word "the soakedest" meaning who got wettest on each ride, so we said this word throughout the day. The first time we rode, Rylee got the soakedest. The second time we rode, I most definitely got the soakedest. Drenched would be another word that would fit well.

 

The girls are just in the group just below where they would be able to ride any ride they want. So because of that, most rides they weren't able to ride together because an adult had to ride with them. But on River Rampage, they could, and they always asked to sit together even though it rarely worked out.

Me and Ansley on the swings, which actually made me a little woozy. Why do you lose that ability to go round and round without feeling sick as you get older?

 

And John and Rylee right behind us. (We took turns riding with each other.)

 

We also rode the bumper cars, the planes, and the log flumes. We took breaks from the rides, of course, and fed some ducks. I didn't think we'd ever get the girls to leave!

 

And of course you have to make time to stay hydrated.

 

And then the event that, the day after, has left John and I emotionally exhausted and our hearts burdened.

It was about six when we decided it was time to head home. The tram line was pretty long, but the girls were happy and chatting while we waited. Finally we made it to Parking Lot G, and were making our way to the van. Ansley was skipping just ahead, and Rylee was just behind us. John commented that Rylee was a "moseyer", and we were about fifteen feet away from the van. Ansley asks if she can run to the van, and after looking both ways, we tell her she can. Rylee decides to follow. I have replayed this moment in my head at least a hundred times. Rylee runs, and when she is about a foot away from the van, she trips. She falls - how I am not exactly sure - forward and hits her head on the exhaust pipe of our van, and then the ground. She screams. I run to pick her up, her face is away from me, and John comes and takes her. I can see by the look on his face that it is not just a little scrape. As John takes her, Rylee's body goes limp and her eyes roll backward. She has blood pouring down her face. John says "go get help" so Ansley and I run back up to the tram. (Ansley, meanwhile, is crying, asking what's happening to Rylee.) John brings her up by the tram and we wait for first aid. Rylee continues to cry, and Ansley is crying as well. People start gathering around us, asking if they can help. I barely remember blurs of faces as I'm looking in all directions, searching for first aid.

I glance down and see that Rylee has a deep gash on her head. A wave of panic sweeps over me.

If you have never experienced this before - and really, how often does this happen? - I can honestly say that having someone else's child entrusted to us and then having this happen was a completely horrible feeling. People everywhere, blood, two children crying, chaos, waiting, uncertainty.....so what else can we do? We sit in the middle of Parking Lot G at Dollywood and we pray. That's the only thing I can attribute to my calmness, because inside I felt sheer panic. The paramedics, and once at the hospital, the doctor and nurse, went on about how amazingly calm I was, and how great that was because it kept Rylee calm. I can only attribute it to God's amazing power, because it certainly was not how I was feeling.

No one comes. They ask us if they should call an ambulance. Someone else's child, almost blacking out and bleeding in the middle of a parking lot - we say yes.

While we are waiting, a wonderful Dollywood employee takes Ansley and distracts her, talks to her and keeps her from crying. I wish I had gotten his name, because he was wonderful to her.

Rylee and I ride in the ambulance together, and John and Ansley come in the van.

Rylee's dad, Chad, comes to the hospital, where she receives 18 stitches. She was even smiling a bit by the end of the (late) night.

 

(This is the numbing medicine on top of the cut.)

This wasn't how we had hoped our fun day at Dollywood would end, but we are so thankful that God was watching over Rylee, keeping her from greater harm, keeping us calm, and providing a mostly happy ending for a sweet girl.

Comments

[Desta]

Wow- what a fun day- and SO glad all turned out well in the end. I cannot even imagine what the must have felt like- and what a helpless feeling!! So glad Rylee is okay- and accidents can happen anytime no matter how careful you are (I'm guessing by your comment on my site you saw what happened to Pierson in the pool while we were at the beach-and I was right there!)- so don't beat yourself up! I know- it's easier said than done- trust me. But all that matters is that she is okay! Sounds like you had a fun week! Oh- and to answer your question- yes- they allow kids on the dolphin tour- but since we had never been on one before- we figured we would just go us two this time- and next year for sure take Paige with! :) I agree- she would have LOVED it- and I bet Ansley would too for sure!

[Amber]

Goodness. My stomach is just nauseous after reading this. I remember the horrible, sickly feeling I had when Ella Beth split her head open; I can't even begin to imagine if it had been one of her friends. Way to go for praying in the middle of that hot and crowded parking lot. Not only did you allow God to calm you and give you "peace which passes all understanding," but you were able to be a witness for Him to others who were watching you.

I'm so glad you had fun, despite the scary ending. I'm so glad Rylee is okay. I'm also glad YOU are doing well!

[Renee]

Hi Megan. The girls and I prayed for sweet Rylee today as she recovers. I remember Sarah Anne's stitches above her lip at 18 months. I am so thankful for the calm that the Lord gave you. I know that you and John took such good care of Rylee!

[Beth]

Oh, I can only think of how often you must be replaying those events in your mind. Praying for Rylee's quick healing, and God's peace to calm your fears after that.