Throwback Thursday #55 – Times of Chaos and Crisis

Welcome back to Throwback Thursday. “Oh, my fur and whiskers! I’m late.” Lauren has us thinking about our reactions in times of crisis and chaos. Head over to her blog to see what she has in store for us.

This week’s prompt is: Dealing With a Crisis

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I have had a very busy week, so I’m going to answer the questions Lauren posed.

How well did you deal with a crisis in your youth or as a young adult?

Our little community was filled with multigenerational families. As a result, I experienced a lot of death as a child. My brother and I found our own grandfather lying peacefully on the hillside where he died from a heart attack. I don’t remember any specific effort to explain or comfort my brother and I. I did, however have two very vivid dreams where my grandfather came to me and explained what it was like to be dead. I was only 10 years old and I still remember every detail of those dreams.

Were you involved with a sudden disruption to your normal life that resulted in stress?

We had two moves as a family. One from Virginia to Florida, and one from Virginia to Ohio. I think because I had a brother and two sisters, I didn’t feel alone. We were all raised to roll with the punches I suppose. The adjustment to Ohio was a little more challenging since I was older. I don’t think I felt it was stressful, though.

Were you the worry wart or did you let things roll off our sleeves?

We were all taught to let things roll off our back. But I was a bit of a worrier. Not about everyday things, but more about big things like contemplating the expanse of the universe, and dying. I think I grew up with an unusual fear of death.

Did you follow the example of your parents?

Not sure how to answer this other than to say I think our coping skills were what we learned by watching our parents cope. I parented much differently – my children probably got tired of me urging them to talk.

Were you able to discuss your fears and worries openly, or did you keep your concerns to yourself?

I never told anyone about the deep and intense thoughts I had. I remember one night I was overwhelmed thinking about the idea of infinity. I went downstairs crying and told my grandmother my throat hurt. I did not want to be alone. I think she was a worrier, too. She thought sure I had scarlet fever although I had no symptoms whatsoever.

Did you have a good support system to deal with your worries?

I kept most to myself.

Do you, as an adult, still respond the same ways?

I can worry, but I have learned better coping skills as an adult.

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