In a quiet moment at Audra’s, I am taking time to enjoy the bouquets of flowers, fresh fruit, and a beautiful lamp. If this moment were a still life painting, I’d name it: “The Calm after the Tornado.”
Last Tuesday morning at 5:24am, I woke up, and read text messages that had come in during the early morning hours from my oldest daughter saying there’d been a TERRIBLE tornado and she was so thankful to be okay and asked me to come spend a few days with her. I’d slept through the storms we’d had in our town during the night; but, her town had been hit by an F3. I would have been out the door in a hot minute; but, The Salesman had the foresight to call his fire chief friend to check the little detail of seeing if the interstate was even open. It was closed in both directions and mama wasn’t headed to my Baby Girl as soon as I wanted.
Baby Girl was the name I’d given my oldest almost 27 years ago when we were still settling on her name. That’s a nice way of saying The Salesman, who would graciously watch me paint rooms periwinkle and say nothing, had a strong opinion about naming our firstborn, and we were not in agreement.
No matter how old children are, there are moments, like this tornado, when as a parent you revert to thinking they are wee babes in your arms, although they are strong and confident young adults. My Baby Girl needed me and I wanted to be there. And I did get to her when the roads opened. But there was a wait… And a gazillion friends and family I texted, or called, at 5 something in the morning to pray for my Baby Girl. I’m pausing to pray for her, and others in Nashville, one week after the tornado as they recover and rebuild.
Praying for peace.
Praying for calm.
Praying Jesus, will be a healing balm.
