by Barbara E. Magera
The siren from my weather radio fuels my terror. A prolonged warning heralds life-threatening weather. Claps of thunder and crashing tree limbs are a prelude to the freight train roars reminiscent of a tornado. Lightening illuminates a water spout endangering the Charleston harbor. My heartbeat races as my eardrums pound from the changing air pressures. While my trembling hand fumbles to locate a weather app, an outstretched paw embraces my fingers. My anxious eyes focus upon his soothing face. He jumps towards me and flings his front paws around my neck. He stretches on tippy toes to bury his muzzle into my chest. His expressions convey this message: “No matter what happens, I am here to comfort you.” He calms my mind and soul. As we cuddle, he wraps his body tightly against my torso. He coos in my ear. We collapse embraced in tender hugs and drift off to sleep. Tonight, I dream of thunder, lightening and pounding rain. Semiconscious, I perceive a prolonged wailing of my weather radio.
Barbara E. Magera MD, PharmD, MMM (Caracaleeb) is a Cavalier fancier, exhibitor and breeder, dog photographer and writer who lives and practices medicine in Charleston, SC.
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