Not As Lucky As Us, Mommy

My heart is with you who are suffering through the terrible storm. I don't know what you're going through, and I can't even begin to imagine. I'm praying for you.

Not As Lucky As Us, Mommy

We hide underneath the table.

It's dark. It's loud.

The whole house shakes as the animals stampede outside.

Mommy said it was a stampede.

She said the animals were trying to get across America.

I asked why. She didn't know.

Daddy was upset about the animals.

He hasn't come home yet.

We wait in silence.

A vase breaks down the hall.

Mommy's flowers are on the floor.

She doesn't get upset.

Instead, she hugs me closer to her.

She's warm. She's soft. She's crying.

Her tears wet my own cheeks as they fall down her face.

They look like diamonds.

Why is she crying? Does she not like the animals?

Maybe she is sad for the animals.

Maybe the animals are looking for their babies.

I am lucky I have a mommy and a daddy.

I snuggle into Mommy's warm jacket.

She cries harder.

She thinks I am scared. I am not scared.

I am brave.

“Don't cry, Mommy. The animals will be OK. I know why they're so upset. They're just trying to find their babies.”

She smiles through her tears. “You're right, baby. They're not as lucky as we are.”

“It'll be over soon, Mommy. Everyone will be happy. Daddy will come home with dinner.”

She hugs me again. I hug back.

“Soon it will be over, Mommy. Soon, you'll see. You'll see.”