A Mighty Wind

Today my friend JS and I with dog in tow ventured out for a walk along the ridge. It's above 0 Celcius and we were all set for some effective calorie burning and catching up. Not so. The chinook wind has dislodged a few swing sets and has sent some Bold signs flying across the road. I noticed a flower pot tumbling along ahead of us looking for a new and secure dwelling. After 30 minutes of struggling to hear one another, we packed it in with a promise to repeat another day.

Now a few hours later I hear the wind continuing to beat against the house shaking it with all its might. The path behind our home from where plenty of cyclists, walkers and joggers usually make their way to the park is empty. It's a good day to be inside.

Not so for Used to Be Mother. Because she had a bout with the flu last night, they have quarantined her to remain in her room for 48 hours. She accuses me of not wanting to see her and has become very cranky with me. She's used some colourful vulgar language so uncharacteristic of her. She told me that she asked God to take her home last night. She says that she isn't good for anything or anyone anymore. "What's the point of staying here?" Her question is rhetorical as she reminds me that we don't want her to live with us. She feels discarded and abandoned. These are highly emotional exchanges and I feel myself teetering like the trees outside. These conversations turn destructive. They beat against us and lash out threatening to overtopple us. Unfortunately there is no safe place to hide from its lashings. The one good thing is that she will hopefully forget these things by tomorrow. And for me, I have seen the wind and have a healthy respect for its vengence.