Stephane Sauve

Father's Advice

Today is intensely challenging; I’m not sure how I’ll endure. There’s a vibration under my skin that’s twisting and burrowing down to my gut. My family is gathered downstairs for the funeral. I can hear them saying my name, mentioning that I’m still upstairs in my childhood bedroom. I’m frozen solid in the middle of the room. I just can’t bring myself to move a muscle. Many years ago, Dad taught me, “When you notice yourself in a panic, stop, and slowly take two deep breaths. This will ground you to the world – to reality.” So I take a deep breath in; then I let my breath leave my body, slowly…