They always say
that the cleanup takes the longest
that’s actually the Presbyterians specialty
Long after the Salvation Army has left
We Presbyterians are there,
Sometimes so long, that we greet the next disaster
Someday that comfort, me, and other its depresses me.
Why are so many people dying?
The prayer group asks?
As we sit on the zoom screens
A beautiful remnant of Covid
a learned way to gather with one another–
A way the we have been finally dragged into the 2st centuary
And I look at the calendar, and realize
Yes, this is the trauma-ersary,
Three years ago, we had the last normal week of our lives
Just like 9/11 2001, my entire childhood was defined one way
And then boom. Explosion
My entire adulthood
Every
Single
Thing
Changed
Forever
Back to why so many people are dying
“We are still in the aftershocks of Covid, I think” I say..slowly
“You know, like after an earthquake, and this was a worldwide event
Its not as noticeable as an earthquake, but here we are,
Still experiencing the massive aftereffects of trauma, from a pandemic”
I’m no scientist, but I know it is true
Plus I’ve seen the actual science
I know we are tired, worn, and more ready to let go
We are still in the waves, where longterm care is needed
The problem being, its needed pretty much everywhere
By everywhere,
And we humans are not so good at that
Be gentle with yourselves this moth
Be gentle with yourself this March,
When you feel overwhelmed, remember
We are all Traumatized
If you or your family feel sick or trapped, or stuck at home
(especially if you have days at home in storms or God forbid Zoom Days)
Try to give yourself space to heal or Be
Practice Self-Care
(which is not bubble baths or shopping)
Find ways to Breathe, space to be fully yourself and safe
And ways to provide yourself with long term health and care
Screw this Trauma-versary
May we all find Space within it
Feel free to use/share/adapt with credit to Pastor Katy Stenta
Image is “A year ago crossed out, two years ago crossed out, three years, this was our last normal year and nobody knew it” tweeted by Santiago mayer” dated 3/3/21
katyandtheword 
Thank you for this, Katy. Three years ago I was in the Philippines. A day or three from now will be the third anniversary of hearing President Duterte say that the airport would be closed in 72 hours. My return ticket was not for another week. I could not reach the airline to change my ticket. A friend helped me call the US Embassy, which had no help for me. Finally, I bought a new ticket home, an expense that I am privileged to be able to afford. Running home and leaving friends behind to deal with Covid in that country of very expensive healthcare and no insurance. I still have guilt for that, but what good would it have done for me to stay? And now I am getting ready to return… Shar