9 Years Later

Wash away my troubles, wash away my pain With the rain in Shambala... Everyone is helpful, everyone is kind On the road to Shambala Everyone is lucky, everyone is so kind On the road to Shambala... How does your light shine, in the halls of Shambala I can tell my sister by the flowers in her eyes On the road to Shambala I can tell my brother by the flowers in his eyes On the road to Shambala" - Three Dog Night 

It hardly seems possible that nine years have passed since that horrific day. It still feels so vivid. I no longer have nightmares about my chilling experience. However, I still get that odd, uncomfortably feeling in my stomach whenever I see or hear an airplane. It feels a bit like a punch. No, it feels more the like sensation moments after a punch, like a muscle memory plus a dull ache. I spent the day with my son. We went to our community yard sale in the early morning, then took our elder cat, Elvis, to the vet for hydration and to get his lab results. When we returned home, all of my son's friends came over and the house was alive with laughter and kid-clamor. I saw my neighbor outside washing her car and said, "I've got a gaggle of kids inside who would probably enjoy that". Then I grabbed a bucket o' suds, some rags and gave a shout to the merry band of five. They came squealing with delight and washed both my neighbor's car as well as my own and they had a wonderful, soggy time. It was a comfort and a joy being surrounded by children who have NO idea what happened nine years ago. This day was full of light, laughter, friendship, fearlessness, and life - a welcomed remedy to the dark, ash cloud, terror and pain of the not so distant past. Thank you to those who reached out to me today.

Be generous with your embrace,
Wendy