Muses

My Oklahoma Joe.

Ten years ago this October, I spent 10 days in Oklahoma City.

I was in an operating room witnessing my son’s birth.

After the first few tense, traumatic days — when it became clear that chances swung in our favor that we would take him home to Georgia — my husband flew home on Delta and I waited with Joe.

In Oklahoma City.

Until the intrastate adoption committee said we could also run to the airport and fly home.

I remember riding along some freeway, looking out across the vast, flat, stubby-tree landscape and seeing —

a monstrous, boiling cloud miles wide plowing through everything and everyone.

Of course, that day all was clear and bright. The tornado that swirled and churned was only in my imagination but I felt like it was as much a part of the landscape as the University of Oklahoma.

We had driven that day to Norman to kill time and poke around the OU football stadium.

For that is what I do when stressed to the max.

Go find something familiar like college football.

For when one thinks of Oklahoma, what jumps to mind?

The Sooners.

Well, the Sooners and tornadoes.

Tonight  ten years later, I look at my Oklahoma Joe and am so very sad.

 

 

           

           

Subscribe Blog Posts to Your Email.

Archives