Page 22 - 2016 Autumn-Winter Issue
P. 22
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Tidal Waves and Tsunamis
by Susan Jerovsek I’m left in a puddle of pure exhaustion. Tsunamis require
the endurance of a marathon runner and the patience of a
In 52 years, I’ve never seen a Tidal Wave or Tsunami. Saint. Eventually, they do subside. But recovery is definitely
But they have become a part of everyday life. For these slower.
particular storms, there is no warning, no time for
preparation, no chance of evacuation or no shelter. Tidal Waves and Tsunamis are a phenomenon our entire
family experiences. Sometimes they hit each of us at the
The storms began on a picture-perfect late summer day same time, even if we are in different places.
in Michigan when our only son, Robby, died in a horrific
boating accident. He was just 15. Shelter in the arms of others who have experienced your
grief and sorrow can provide temporary relief. Sometimes
The Tidal Wave variety sneaks up quickly. They come from it is enough. But sometimes it is nothing more than a grass
nowhere. They strike without warning, hit hard and knock hut that gets washed away.
me to my knees. Then they recede about as swiftly as they
arrive. I’m left battered, awestruck, dazed and confused. Thankfully, after seven years, the storms are finally letting
From these, I can usually recover and get back on my feet up. The skies are clearing. At times, the stars even shine
without prolonged agony - mind over matter. through the darkness.
Tsunamis also strike with little warning. Sometimes rouge In my lifetime, I doubt that I will see a real Tidal Wave
waves rush through me first, like little warning shots over or Tsunami, but you don’t have to see them to experience
the bow. The buildup can take mere minutes, hours or them.
days, but the result is always the same. My Tsunami’s are
fierce and intense. They sweep me off my feet and leave me Sue Jerovsek lives in Grand Haven, Michigan, with husband Jack. She has
completely defenseless as the water continues to rise higher worked in the field of marketing/communications for many years as a
and higher, and every breath feels like it could be the last. writer and project manager. Sue is mom to Lauren (25), and Robby (forever
With Tsunamis, I have no choice but to ride it out, and wait 15). Robby lost his life in a tragic boating accident in 2009.
and wait and wait … until the water finally recedes and
2 2 |We Need Not Walk Alone
