A SOBERING START

We're back from our Disneyland holiday.

Truth be told, we've been back for days. Yet, with the exception of a picture-posting test gone awry in Prada Mama, I haven't had the heart to blog about anything at all.

Oh, we had a marvelous time in Southern California. In fact, everyone had so much fun that we ended up extending a day, just to see more of the Magic Kingdom. Of course, we had to forego our return flight, but driving our rented minivan back to Oakland Airport proved to be just as enjoyable.

It was during this trip back when I first learned about the deadly tsunami in the Indian Ocean. By then, it had already been three days since the first killer wave struck.

To think that when it happened, it was still Christmas Day where we were.

Disneyland was full that day, and they were turning people away, us included. The kids were disappointed, and I remember being quite angry at myself for not buying tickets beforehand. Instead, we ended up watching "The Incredibles" at Downtown Disneyland, catching the park's fireworks display after the movie before eating Christmas dinner at the nearby Rainforest Cafe, all of us unaware of the tragic events unfolding in the other side of the world.

Since we were on holiday, I didn't really get to see news accounts of the tragedy. I guess it's just as well. Reading about it is heartwrenching enough.

Which brings us to why I heven't posted anything in both of my blogs lately. Yes, life goes on. But wounds are still raw, and worlds are still upturned. And I can't in all conscience write about my mundane existence while other mothers in Indonesia and India, Thailand and Sri Lanka mourn the loss of their husbands and children.

Oh, don't get me wrong. I have two whole digital video tapes and two SD cards full of pictures waiting to be shared. But doing it now, while people are still in the shaky process of recovery, would somehow trivialize their suffering.

So for now, I resolve to hold my husband and children just a little bit tighter...

...while I thank the Lord that I still have my family about me.

Here's to a happy and healthy 2005, and most importantly, a SAFE one for all.


(Okay, so the moment has passed. PLUGGING: "Mrs. Incredible" and "My Left Ear (x3)!", my latest posts in The Prada Mama Chronicles.)