The sound of thunder rousted me from my slumber. It felt as though it was right overhead. My blinds were open and the onslaught of the torrential rain had begun. At that moment, I heard, more than saw the lightening hit the ground just to the left of the driveway, where an old oak tree resided. What followed thereafter was something that I am sure will never be erased from my memories.
The tree that had stood so proud on the sunny day before had been hit. The large limb used for climbing by tiny little legs began its descent towards the small corner of the roof, covering the room in which my eldest daughter lay sleeping. The noise was deafening, only made worse by the incessant barking of the dogs.
I had to fight my way out from underneath the covers that had tangled about me. I ran down the hall, past the kitchen and dining room, to the area that housed my children’s bedrooms. The rain hit me full force, immediately drenching my pajama clad body. Over the howling wind I heard my daughter’s cries. “Mommy, please help me!”
I frantically made my way towards her, trying in vain to reach her and bring her to safety. The large limb and endless supply of branches effectively blocked my path. I began to tear at them, yelling at my daughter to hold on. It seemed useless as the power of the storm only increased in strength, making any type of conversation virtually impossible. I prayed to God as I had never prayed before and again began my seemingly useless Herculean task with a vengeance.
The branches tore at my arms, ripping at my skin. I felt the warmth of the blood roll down my arms, in contrast with the cold, biting rain that was pelting me through the now non-existent roof.
I finally was able to clear a path just large enough for me to crawl through. Staying on my hands and knees, I made my way through the rubble, to where my daughter lay helpless, entrapped beneath a large beam that came from the now defunct roof. I lay down beside her, holding the upper part of her body, comforting her through her sobs, and ensuring her that I would keep her safe.
I awoke with a start. It took me a moment to realize that while the storm was raging outside, it had not touched the safety of my home, or the loved one’s that were beneath its roof. As I became more aware of my surrounding, I heard an eerily familiar faint cry, coming from my oldest daughter’s room. “Mommy, help me.”
I quickly ran to her room, only to find her curled in the fetal positioning and whimpering “I need the bowl.” I quickly retrieved it from her nightstand and sat beside her as she emptied her stomach of what was left inside her. I held her tightly against me, instinctively knowing this gave her comfort. After it was through, I gently wiped her face with a cold cloth, and eased her back onto the pillows. We had gone through this exercise too many times tonight, this little girl and I. She was exhausted, pale and weak.
She looked at me through watery eyes and tearfully asked me if she was going to die. I brushed the hair off of her cheeks, and held her close once again. “No little one, you won’t die though I’m sure it feels like it right now.” I tucked the covers around her and lay down next to her. She immediately snuggled up closely against me.
Looking down at her, nestled in the crook of my arm, I placed a kiss atop her head and smiled. “Mama will always keep you safe.”
Comments
OMG - you must have been terrified before you realized it was a dream! Some just seem sooo real. Hugs sweetie!
Posted by: debby at January 13, 2006 08:54 PM
Lordy, I was worried there for a bit, because we did have bad storms pass through here last night!! The g/son came running into our room about midnight saying someone was trying to get in his window (upstairs bedroom to boot!); no amount of talking could convince him otherwise until we 'checked it out ourselves'! All was clear, he was satisfied and went right back to sleep. Me, on the other hand, lay there listening to the wind howl outside, hoping it hadn't started snowing!!
Posted by: Michele at January 14, 2006 10:40 AM
Wow I was right there with you, darn good story. I can see you doing that action as well, keeping meelie no safe and warm..
Posted by: Gopher at January 14, 2006 02:31 PM
Great job on this post, Moogs! I loved it.
Posted by: Heather at January 14, 2006 08:51 PM
That's a vivid dream that struck too close to home. Wow.
Posted by: FTS at January 14, 2006 09:35 PM
Some dreams are so terrifying to wake up to, and yet, when your heart stops pounding, you are extremely grateful that it was just a dream.
Posted by: Jay at January 15, 2006 11:00 AM