On this Freedom Friday, I exercise the right to share:
Several days ago, while meandering through Facebook, I came across a photo post with the caption, “Share If You Remember These.”
Immediately, I pushed the share button for roller skating, as a teenager, is one of the few happy memories that I have about this stage in my life.
Throughout my teenage years, I lived in fear of the potential verbal, physical, and emotional abuse rendered by an absentee father, who randomly appeared, if for no other reason than to create havoc in an otherwise peaceful environment.
But, skating at the roller rink every Saturday afternoon was where I found peace and happiness.
I loved to skate and was one of the better skaters among my friends. Beyond skating, the roller skating rink brings back happy memories of:
- enjoying live organ music which, I now understand, was “especially tailored to the flow of rolling skating”;
- practicing new dance routines;
- watching skaters skillfully glide around the rink;
- feeling emotionally secure in a safe space; and
- participating in a fun and constructive activity with other teenagers.
Before closing out this post, I wondered if there were still indoor roller skating rinks with live organ music. Why wonder, if you have google?
I googled and found Quad Skating Dot com’s listing of “Live Organ Roller Skating Sessions in the United States.” Of the seventeen places listed, two were conveniently located:
- one is within 1/2 hour drive of where we live in Florida; and
- one is within 1/2 hour drive of where our children live in Wisconsin.
A roller skating outing with either Hubby and/or the children added to my 2015 Bucket List.
Of course, since I last skated in 1959, I plan to watch and not skate.
SeasonedSistah 
Just because 50 some years have passed, maybe it’s like riding a bike and you never forget how to do it. Just one more time for old time’s sake?
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It would be nice — but as a 73-year-old with rheumatoid arthritis, a needed right-knee replacement and lower extremity peripheral nerve pain, I lacked the confidence. But being able to watch my grandchildren will me happy. Perhaps, I can even talk my three middle-aged children into putting on a pair of skates. They were all excellent skaters as well. Thank you for your comments.
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I love that one of your favorite teenage memories is also added to your bucket list. Have fun !
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Thank you, but only for viewing not skating.
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It’s good that you had a place where you felt safe and secure while getting exercise. It must be a happy memory indeed!
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While I was exposed to so much unhappiness in my childhood, my mother loved me unconditionally and there were many good memories of our times together. Hubby, children, and grandchildren added another level of love. But my greatest love arrived when self-awareness opened me up to the gift of self-love. This love has brought peace into my life and I now live in harmony, truth and love fully. Thank you for following y post.
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Little Cupcake mentioned roller skating to me last weekend, so definitely a fun Wisconsin outing with grandkids! love this post
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I am looking forward to just going and watching. I doubt if anyone will come other than Cameron and Ava; although, Chelsea may want to come. Maybe, you and Cebbt could go with.
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Sista, roller skating & 1 movie theater the only teen activity in my home town. Reading was a habit I formed to escape boredom. Reading about yourdifficulties makes me understand how much more you have overcome in your life I admire you.
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The library was also my escape. Back then, you could check out five books every two weeks — I lived the life of Nancy Drew and the Bobsey Twins. Books from the library were supplemented, in my mid teens, with True Story, True Love, and True Romance magazines.
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I read a lot of digest condensed books. Mother never took me to the library. I don’t even remember where was. I know there was one in town. Not got the high school of course there was a lot. And I worked as the library assistant. I went on to school later in life and became a librarian. I’m certified K-12 and public library. I graduated in 1958. Spent a long time. But looking back it doesn’t seem possible that all that time has gone.
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I bet you could still roller skate. I hope you do!!!! I’m glad you had that special experience when you were young. I’ve never heard of a roller skating rink having live organ music. Amazing that they still exist.
I don’t remember roller skating myself as a teenager but I do remember taking my children both roller skating and ice skating!
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I turned 73, on November 11. Age coupled with rheumatoid arthritis, a needed right-knee replacement as well as lower extremity peripheral neuropathy pain will likely keep me off the roller skates. Optimistic on most things, but not this. But, thank you for believing it could happen.
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