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| I was a first time mom, and Jessica was two years old. She was busy playing in the living room while I was cooking dinner in the kitchen. That was until a loud clash of thunder interrupted our peace. |
| Jessica came running into the kitchen. |
| I picked her up and soothed her, "There, there sweetheart. It's okay. We're having a thunderstorm." She immediately relaxed in my arms; and I enjoyed being there for her. However, as much as I enjoyed that moment, my feelings soon grew to ones of frustration. |
| I was in the middle of frying chicken and boiling potatoes. And I wanted to get on with fixing a dinner that wasn't burnt again. |
| I sat Jessica back down on the floor and returned to the stove. But then there was more thunder, which meant another scare for Jessica. She clung to my legs, crying. |
| My heart sank. I wanted to comfort her; and I wanted to have a good dinner. I was torn between what to do or not do. |
| I couldn't hold her and fry chicken at the same time. The grease was popping and might splatter on her. I also wanted to be able to just sit and hold her. I also wanted to have a good dinner to put on the table. All of these wants in my head and only one body and two arms. "What should I do?" I exasperated to myself. |
| On the outside, I tried to remain cool. I explained to Jessica, "Big noises are normal with thunderstorms. And so are flashes of light." |
| She seemed to be comforted, but mostly by the sounds of my voice. The words didn't mean a thing once it thundered again, and she wrapped her arms tightly around my neck. |
| "Now what," I thought. |
| Words raced through my head about how we had been through thunderstorms last year. And I felt frustrated about having to do it again. |
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