I managed to take a nap today while my baby was taking his nap this afternoon.  I get my best rest when I sleep my routine hours.  Taking a nap in the afternoons these days is not routine for me.  Nevertheless, I closed my eyes and tried to get some sleep.

I saw it.  I saw this gigantic, fearsome looking shark in our bathroom.  It was grey and frozen in the deep sea being displayed behind a see through glass in our tiny bathroom.   The big fish was being contained in a huge aquarium with me standing on the outside.  I remember clearly telling myself, if the glass breaks that’s the end of me.     

The fear felt so real that it woke me up.  I could still see the awesome magnificent creature even in my waking moments.  The whole scenario seemed not only senseless, but also impossible.  My bathroom can only contain one baby bathtub.  I keep reminding myself that. 

It’s now one in the morning.  My baby is fast asleep since midnight.  Usually, I would gladly turn off the lights, put up my tired feet and get a good night’s rest, but not tonight.

I asked myself why am I avoiding sleep.  I discovered the simple answer.  I want to avoid meeting that fearsome Jaws again.  I soon realised that my fear is real.  I feel so silly, and yet I could get rid of this fear throughout the day.  I reasoned with myself, the fish was not even moving.  It was like a statue, and frozen!  My need for reasoning made me feel even sillier.   

My children are afraid of monsters and the dark.  I keep telling them that monsters do not exist.  But then again, neither do sharks lurk in our bathrooms! 

I am now more respectful of their baseless fears.

Good night!  And sweet dreams!