At 3 a.m., I jolted upright in bed…
Wide awake in an instant, my heart pounding, racing thoughts filled my mind. Our family has been navigating some difficult times privately (who isn’t?), and as I hurried from my bed to splash water on my face in the bathroom, back to bed, to the window, and basically in circles, I realized I was experiencing a severe panic attack.
I retrieved my phone from the closet and called Freddie. “Jo?” he inquired, as if in a dream.
“I’M LOSING IT,” I exclaimed, my eyes frantic and searching. “Can you ask me questions to soothe me?”
“Yes!” he answered instantly. “What are your favorite fruits in a fruit salad?” Now, as I recount this, the question amuses me, but at that moment, it was like a lifeline.
“Cantaloupe,” I replied. “Stores put in too much, but I enjoy a bit.”
“What else?” he queried. “Berries?”
“Strawberries, yes, but not raspberries,” I said. “Perhaps apples? My mom adds sliced banana, which is surprisingly good.” Then, my heart raced up my throat again, and while pacing around the bed, I raised my voice: “What next? Freddie, please ask me more.”
“What’s Anton reading in school? A Raisin in the Sun?” he said. “What’s it about? Who are the characters?”
So, I spoke about the 1959 play by Lorraine Hansberry about a family in Chicago. Then he urged me to describe my childhood house and to tell him the cultural distinctions I’ve noticed on Love Is Blind: Italy. (I had THOUGHTS.) By the time we ended the call, an hour later, I felt grounded and could breathe normally once more.
Now, as I work, manage bills, and shuttle my children to and from school, I reflect on Freddie today, standing before his classroom, discussing the American Revolution with his high school students, perhaps stifling a yawn occasionally, rubbing his tired eyes, preparing to return home to his own two children at the end of the day. Imagining him, with salt and pepper hair, weary yet steadfast, I realize that, somehow, “what fruits do you like in fruit salad” at 3 a.m. is the most romantic thing anyone has ever shared with me. This is love; what a gift.
Has this ever happened to you? How do you calm yourself when your mind starts racing? Such an experience is a first for me!
P.S. An anxiety tip, and a couple of fruit salad recipes. 😉
(Photo by Evan Dalen/Stocksy.)
Title: Enigmatic Celestial Event Mesmerizes Skywatchers Worldwide
Last night, an extraordinary celestial display captivated skywatchers and astronomers around the world. This infrequent spectacle, termed a “lunar rainbow,” illuminated the night sky with a stunning array of colors, leaving both amateur and professional astronomers in wonder.
The occurrence, scientifically known as a “moonbow,” resembles a rainbow but is created by moonlight rather than sunlight. Moonbows are scarce because they require specific conditions for formation: a nearly full moon, clear skies, and rain opposite the moon. Last night’s event was unique due to its intensity and the brightness of the colors, which are typically subdued in moonbows.
Reports of the moonbow emerged from various global regions, such as North America, Europe, and sections of Asia. Social media platforms were overwhelmed with images and videos as thrilled observers shared their experiences. Many described the scene as ethereal, with the moonbow’s arc spreading across the sky in a delicate spectrum of colors.
Astronomers noted that the moonbow’s visibility was enhanced by the unusually bright full moon, known as the “Harvest Moon,” which occurs nearest to the autumnal equinox. The increased luminosity provided ample light to produce a more visible and colorful moonbow than usual.
This celestial phenomenon not only offered a visual marvel but also ignited interest in atmospheric optics, the study of light interactions with Earth’s atmosphere. Moonbows are a prime example of this interaction, as they form through the refraction, reflection, and dispersion of light in water droplets.
For those who missed the event, experts advise monitoring weather forecasts for similar conditions, as moonbows can appear whenever moonlight and rain conditions align. However, witnessing such a vivid display as last night’s is a rare and unforgettable encounter.
In summary, the unusual occurrence last night was a testament to the splendor and mystery of our natural world. It served as a reminder of the wonders that await those who take the time to observe and appreciate the night sky.
