In my dream, I’m in a busy, crowded place.

There are people all around, yet no one seems to see me.

I have two of my children with me, pushing the baby in a stroller with one hand.

While pulling the older one in a wagon behind me with the other hand.

I’m inside a building, surrounded by walls with no windows.

I cannot see the light of day.

There is a gloom that surrounds me, like a fog.

Fear and dread cling to me.  I am weary and weakened.

I’m walking. Very slowly. Feet shuffling. Down a long, unending, corridor.

I feel extremely claustrophobic. It’s hard to breathe.

I’m confused. I see no clear path, no way of escape.

I cannot see the light of day.

My movements are slow, as if bound by shackles.

The crowd seems to be pressing in against me.

A heaviness surrounds me, weighing me down. Threatening to crush me.

I wish for wings so that I can rise up, and fly away.

I see no way through the numbing darkness. I panic.

I cannot see the light of day.

My children. I look anxiously from one to the other.

I’m afraid they will be snatched from me. Taken away.

I am desperately afraid of losing my children. Of being trapped, and unable to protect.

I feel so isolated and alone. Broken in despair.

I’m without a voice. Powerless to call out for help,

Then I see it. A small crack of light.

There in the distance I can finally see a way out.

A flicker of hope ignites inside me. Sustains me.

In a strength that is not my own, I am propelled forward. Still slowly, but with resolve.

I’m drawn toward the light, becoming unaware of the obstacles around me.

Coming into view, I see a set of large doors.

I see a crack of light.

As I get closer, the light gets brighter. Darkness begins to fade.

I approach enormous doors. They swing wide open for me, and my children.

The space is flooded by the light of the most brilliant, noon-day sun I have ever seen.

I take in a magnificent, crystal clear, blue sky.

I look to the sun. It shines strong. Powerful.

An oasis of light surrounds me.

With arms raised, I inhale deeply. Life-giving air fills my lungs.

Face still toward the sun, I rest. I smile. I am at once calm. Peaceful.

My children are safe, and secure, at my side. The darkness has been dispelled.

I am content. All fear and anxiety are gone.

I can see the path clearly now.

I can see the light.

“There is a crack, a crack in everything

That’s how the light gets in.” ~ Leonard Cohen, 1992