Our Universal Adventure

After last week's heavier scribbles, I promised myself the next one would include laughter. So here we are. Me. Liam. Joe (aka Guppy). And Universal Studios Orlando.

One of us was stable. One of us was fragile. One of us would eventually need a Harry Potter bag.

Ride #1: Confidence Is a Trap. We started strong. Hydrated. Optimistic. Slightly cocky. We marched straight into Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey because obviously you begin with magic.

Let me just say this: That ride is not designed for visually compromised Meemaws who think they can "just focus through it." It spins. It tilts. It launches dragons at your already questionable peripheral vision.

I closed my eyes. Still nauseous. Opened them. Regretted it.

By the time we got off, I looked like someone who had disembarked from a cruise ship in a hurricane.

Liam? Electric. Joe? Calm. Assessing. Already knowing I needed shade and a bench.

Me? Whispering, "I just need a minute." Joe never once rolled his eyes. Never once said, "Told you so." Just steady. Hand on my back. "You're good. Sit. Breathe." Forever solid.

I had to sit out the next few rides while the boys went on without me. Nothing says "core memory" like watching your grandson sprint toward joy while you dig through your backpack for water and peanut butter crackers.

The Comeback Tour. Eventually, I rallied. We conquered a few rides. Laughed. Strategized like seasoned professionals. And then… because apparently we learn nothing… we decided to try The Incredible Hulk Coaster.

Now listen. The launch alone should've been a warning. It shoots you forward like you owe it money. Upside down. Twisting. Zero gravity.

I survived. Joe? Completely unfazed. Liam? Not so much.

Moments after we started back for home, from the back of the truck I heard: "Meemaw…"

I launched myself into the backseat, grabbed the Harry Potter souvenir bag. Full circle. Ride one took me out. Ride seven took Liam out. Joe remained the stable center of the universe.

The Verdict: Universal Studios Orlando — chaotic magic. Liam — resilient thrill seeker. Me — dramatic but determined. Joe (Guppy) — steady as ever.

We laughed. We rallied. We recovered. We tried again. And somewhere between dragons and gamma radiation, memories were sealed.

He'll remember the speed. I'll remember the bench. Joe will remember where he parked.

All in all? Universal was a success. At least for creating stories we'll retell forever — and now Meemaw will always travel with Dramamine.