It took a while for me to settle after the quake, but it has taken longer for my roommates. There are six of them, and I know what is on their minds by observing behaviors. One says, “I wonder if Mommy can really take care of us?” This one hides under a table. Another says, “We can never sleep without trauma.” This one is staying to herself and won’t look at me. A third says, “I know where the monster came from!” That one barks at the door whenever she hears a strange noise. The next one wants lots of food. He says “We don’t know anything for sure.”
Together they plead, “Mommy please make sure this doesn’t happen again!” And I reply “The next time it does I will give you earplugs, but holding you all underneath me while we are together in the bed is the best I can do!” Love your babies and spend time with them, because they will never forget this.
— Kelli Mahoney
Wasilla
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