I am grateful for giddy shrieks of delight.

I never really realized I was grateful for this oddity until a recent trip to a water fountain.  There were scores of kids playing in the water, while the adults sat and visited in quiet circles along the perimeter.  The kids were laughing and having a great time.  The adults were slathering sunscreen and distributing yellow goldfish.  Then the music started.  The water came with greater intensity and dancing rhythm.  As the various geysers gained height, so rose the energy of the plaza.  All the children were screaming. Yes, screaming.  And yet it was a good thing.  The shrieks became a chorus.  A choir shaped from kids being blinded from any worry or concern by blasts of water that both refreshed and startled.

Yummy.

I have since wondered what series of events can trigger this giddy shrieking.  In children, I see it around water.  I have seen it in a Disneyland commercial. I have seen it with a friend when the first Cadbury eggs of the season are presented.  I have come to the conclusion that in order for this phenomenon to take place there must be some element of surprise, but this surprise must be pleasing.  A splash of water in the winter causes a much different type of screaming. 

I have also noticed that babies participate in this type of vocalization much more than children, and children much more than adults.  As we age, the giddiness seems to dissipate.  I suppose as we experience more, it takes more to surprise and delight us.  It’s no wonder that an animated face saying “peek-a-boo” doesn’t send middle-aged folk into a frenzy.  But there is a secret for us experienced riders: there is nothing more joyful then being the source of someone’s giddy shrieking.  So take the time to raspberry a baby’s belly (preferably a baby you know).  Play in the hose with the kids.  And every once in a while when something wonderful shocks you, don’t hold back the scream with adult composure...just shriek.