damage control

We were worried about the storm. It was Florida, and it was vacation, so rightfully so we were complaining because instead of being able to lay on the beach in the sun, we were stuck in the garage of the high rise our condo was in due to the F5 tornado traveling from Mobil, Alabama.

We were scared. It was destruction headed our way. But we had warning.

The train whistle blew by, and it was over. Our destruction still carried safety with it.
Gathering our "cool" from the safe indoors, the TV without fault became our entertainment.

As we watched the clips play over and over again of Japan being washed away, we also watched from our window the penny sized waves of our paradise. We imagined from a distance what destruction would be like should it be the water we were watching affected by a tsunami.

Putting aside the concern that was felt for those experiencing the unimaginable, it instantly became an issue of my well being. Texts and phone calls from family and friends wondering if I, of all people were okay. Because to the majority, concern is best when it is applicable and has a connection. To my friends and family, I was the tangible concern being the one that lives on the coast of California that could possibly be affected by a predicted tsunami.

Instead of "what can we do to help Japan", it became a matter of "Hannah, you probably shouldn't go back to California." Guilt hits. In the midst of one world being completely depleted while watching the TV turned to "entertainment", which also became our own warning system.

Events, such as Japan's disaster, which happen from a distance make our sub-conscience think with the voice of "I" when really it's the most important time for it to be speaking with the voice of "we".