Can’t Stop Thinking

When I began typing this post, the title Can’t Stop was meant to convey…can’t stop thinking about the events of the past few days. I am still in shock that my town and nearby Lawrence and Andover went through such a crazy and frightening incident. When the commotion began on Thursday, I was in the car with Ally driving her to a tutoring session in Andover. Suddenly, Ally began seeing all of the alerts on her phone. “Mom, there are gas explosions happening all over town,” she said. Not until I was stopped in traffic at the North Andover Common, with emergency vehicles flying by from every direction, did I know something very serious was happening.

Here’s the weird thing – my immediate reaction was to say, “Ally, I’m taking you home.” The problem was, for many, home was the problem. My neighborhood does not use gas and therefore I felt comfortable going to my “safe place.” However, I couldn’t escape the feeling that I didn’t really know what was going on. I wasn’t sure if, in fact, being at home was the best place to be.

With many friends still without gas, and one whose home was severely damaged by fire, I feel stuck. Stuck in a daze of concern, confusion and questions. I can’t stop thinking about how to proceed from here. The uncertainty of something like this can be crippling. I feel helpless and consumed with worry. I used to worry about the dangers we face when we walk out the door into this crazy world. Now, I can’t stop thinking about the dangers within.

Can’t Stop Living Life

With no good answer I, like many, are forging ahead. It feels strange to go about business as usual, but like I was recently advised, you can’t stop living life. Sadly, there many scary things we must face in life and I am reminded that we can’t live in fear. I so wish that came easier for me.

So today, I am here for those in my area who need anything. Meanwhile Andover, North Andover and Lawrence continue to get back on their feet. I will move forward with as much positivity as I can muster and carry on. That said, please see the details of Tewksbury’s upcoming Book Festival. Consider joining me and many other local authors in sharing our stories. Location: The Meeting Room of Tewksbury Public Library 300 Chandler Street, Tewksbury, MA, 01876.