As an author, I have learned that many experiences can be understood with enough research. Social media pushes the emotion of whatever is viewed. Anger. Rage. Joy. Loss. Tragedy. Triumph. Victory. Discovery, etc.
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| Photo by Mary Vee, Oklahoma |
I mostly agree with this still, because as the days go by, I write about a situation then reach into my personal memories, pull up my true responses, and insert that response into the character. I can empathize with those who experience a myriad of situations because I can call up my personal similar emotion.
You do too. Knowingly or unknowingly. You've cried, laughed, cheered at movies or while reading a book. Admit it. :)
But there are some experiences that extend beyond our realm of experiences encountered so far.
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| Photo by Mary Vee, Oklahoma |
For example, yesterday, my daughter and I drove through Oklahoma heading east. I am not from Oklahoma, but I've heard plenty about their colossal storms.
Tornado season has begun.
We did not expect the 70-80 mph winds, the sheets of rain pounding the pavement, the hail, or the trees bending over. And although the driving was tolerable because we've driven in similar inclement weather, we took a break after two hours of fighting the winds.
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| Photo by Mary Vee, Oklahoma |
We pulled into a truck stop, ran inside, and crowded in front of a TV weather report with other travelers dripping rain onto the floor.
I have lived through many powerful storms.
And all was well
...until the newsman said, "There are currently no threats of tornados."
I have also lived through tornados touching down 1 mile from my home...more than once.
So all was well
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| Photo by Mary Vee, Oklahoma |
..until I remembered the videos of Joplin, Missouri from six years ago when an F5 tornado turned the town into toothpicks and killed 158 people. Joplin was near and on our route.
We were safe according to the reports and yet a fear rose inside me that I've only experienced a few times in my life.
We ordered some food to wait out the storm. A man came to our table, with a compassionate look on his face. He looked at the 6-month-old we had with us then said, "Just wanted to tell you there is a four-hour window before the next storm comes. I've traveled with a baby before and understand how difficult it can be."
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| Photo by Mary Vee, Oklahoma |
I appreciated his warning after witnessing the accident in this photo and the next. More than he possibly knew. We packed up our food and got back in the car.
We rode on the tail of the colossal storm that forced us to take a break, outrunning the sister storm on the way.
I've never suffered damage from a tornado other than down trees and days without power. That is nothing compared to what the people of Joplin and other cities have experienced.
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| Photo by Mary Vee, Missouri |
Sometimes we really don't understand what a person is going through. Sometimes we need to be available for hugs, listening ears, and a cup of water.
This post has been brought to you by the one word: Empathy
My book, Daring To Live, A Patriotic Suspense Novel is available on Amazon.
Comments
We have relatives who live in Oklahoma. I get anxious every time I hear of tornadoes going through there. One time when our nephew was in the hospital, his wife called me and asked,"Can you guess where we spent part of yesterday?" I did make a guess. She told me they were at the hospital and had to go to the basement. I believe seeking shelter in times like that is a part of their life.