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| I was a first time mom, and Jessica was two years old. � She was busy playing in the living room while I was cooking dinner in the kitchen. �That was until a loud clash of thunder interrupted our peace. |
| � � Jessica came running into the kitchen. |
| � � I picked her up and soothed her, "There, there sweetheart. �It's okay. �We're having a thunderstorm." � She immediately relaxed in my arms; and I enjoyed being there for her. �However, as much as I enjoyed that moment, my feelings soon grew to ones of frustration. |
| � � I was in the middle of frying chicken and boiling potatoes. �And I wanted to get on with fixing a dinner that wasn't burnt again. |
| � � I sat Jessica back down on the floor and returned to the stove. �But then there was more thunder, which meant another scare for Jessica. �She clung to my legs, crying. |
| � � My heart sank. �I wanted to comfort her; and I wanted to have a good dinner. �I was torn between what to do or not do. |
| I couldn't hold her and fry chicken at the same time. �The grease was popping and might splatter on her. �I also wanted to be able to just sit and hold her. �I also wanted to have a good dinner to put on the table. �All of these wants in my head and only one body and two arms. �"What should I do?" I exasperated to myself. |
| � � On the outside, I tried to remain cool. �I explained to Jessica, �"Big noises are normal with thunderstorms. �And so are flashes of light." |
| � � She seemed to be comforted, but �mostly by the sounds of my voice. �The words didn't mean a thing once it thundered again, and she wrapped her arms tightly around my neck. |
| � � �"Now what," I thought. |
| � � Words raced through my head about how we had been through thunderstorms last year. �And I felt frustrated about having to do it again. |
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