Hi Echoes. Well i went in nervous, with a hazy feel in my head and trying to have an open mind. I was scared.

The room was strange. There was absolutely nothing in there breakable. An almost large empty room. It had one whole wall with foam mattress on it and a crab hamper full of thin rubber small balls. A punching bag hanging from the ceiling with another crab hamper full of punching gloves. I think someone that works there has a husband that does crabbing.

There was a small table in one corner full of sand and it had a small closed box underneath. Don't know what was in it. Then another small table with two chairs. And nothing else.

When we went in there she asked if i was okay so far seeing the room and felt okay with staying in there. I didnt feel okay, but of course told her yes. We talked some and i started to calm down a little. She said she wanted to try something but had to step out to get the supplies.

She came back in with art stuff. She pulled out two sheets of construction paper gave me one and she kept one. Then she pulled out of a bag markers and a crapload of stickers. She started talking about those 'masks' I say i have with friends, family, etc. She said lets draw what that mask looks like to them. Took me awhile but i did it. Then we talked about it.

She then started asking me about my issues with watching tv. (I wasnt able to watch it, even look at tv when someone else had it on for a good 2 years after the storm.) I told her now I'm able to watch a little tv but it has to be comedy and majority of the time its on mute. then she asked about the radio. Nope, I told her. Thats still a no go. So now thats something else were gonna work on.

She gave me homework and its pretty hard. But I have a friend that has been on my asss about it for months. so later today when she asks how today went and i tell her. I think this homework will make her year.

Next week we'll be back in the 'safe room' and between now and then I just have to keep calm. I know whats in there. And i just have to tell myself everything will be fine. Yeah right, but i'm gonna try to.

chal