Memory

If I cried loud enough, they would take me out of bed. That's the preface to my first memory. As an easily frightened 3 year old, nighttime existed as a never-ending terror of 'what if I'm kidnapped?', 'what if we're robbed?', 'what if the house catches on fire?'

My parents, both teachers, knew just how to solve this problem. At 9:55pm Mom picked me up and held me close to her while she rocked in the recliner 'til my sobs stopped. E.R. came on at 10pm as my first memory begins. The jarring theme song grabs my attention. I turn away from my mother's chest and see the doctors walking through the door.