Sometimes when I’m feeling particularly emotional, I just start writing. This came to me a few days ago when I was feeling down about post-treatment life. One thing I find so amazing about creative writing is it almost always leads me to the mindset shift I need to pull myself out of the darkness. It allows me to light my own way, in my own way. This time it reminded me I’m not alone.
The Aftermath
I live in a house
On a beautiful beach.
With firey sunrises
And lilac sunsets.
Life is good.
Then the tsunami comes.
No warning. No reason.
I run to shelter on high ground
As my house is torn apart.
Everything is gone.
“At least you made it!”
“You’re so strong!”
“Just stay positive”
And my favorite,
“My aunt died in a tsunami, you’re lucky.”
People send money,
Their thoughts and prayers.
When a new house is built,
And the well-wishers move on,
I’m left alone to clean up the debris.
I look up and down the coast
And notice others like me,
Alone, cleaning up after a freak disaster.
I introduce myself. I tell my story.
And now together, we begin to rebuild.
– S.G.
3/29/21
One Life, One Chance 