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Home » Play Ideas » My Nature Journal

They Might Not Come Home

Pregnant with my first child.
My husband at work in a high rise in downtown L.A.
Unthinkable horror unfolding on my TV screen,
Thundering towers come down.
Real pain, real knowing.
I must accept this.
He might not come home.
One day, my love might go to work and never come home.

Three words from a friend “I am heartbroken.”
My kids safe at school.
“What?” I worriedly text back.
Unthinkable horror.
Again.
Real pain, but refusing to know.
One day, my kids might go to school and never come home?
No!
No.
No.
No.

I think the unthinkable.
I want to unthink the unthinkable.
But I can’t.
So instead . . .

I hug with all my strength,
Feel with my whole being,
Hold on to what matters,
And love them with all my heart,
Because I know.

Someday they might not come home.

More My Nature Journal

  • Sharing My Mother's Mom-isms in Celebration of Mother's Day
  • Noguchi Gardens (California Scenario) in Costa Mesa
  • Practice 2 Simple Parenting Strategies and Never "Entertain" Your Young Kids Again
  • 10 Ways to Find New Places to Play

About Michele Whiteaker

Writer mom and nature guide promoting play and empowering families to prioritize outside time since 2008. Park information gathered through my personal experiences and provided as a FREE community resource to millions of Orange County families over the past 17 years via blog and social media. Subscribe to my FREE weekly email inspiring you with park tips and play ideas.

"The Park Lady"

My name is Michele Whiteaker and I'd love for you to think of me as your personal Play Concierge. When I used to search online for family-friendly activities, nothing quite fit my playful outdoor interests or tight budget.

More about me

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