Up in Smoke

Crisis Communication

Like many couples today, the two of us need to actually set a date on the calendar, or to schedule some quality time together. Today was such a day for us, and after Church and lunch together, we had a really pleasant afternoon shopping, talking and sharing with one another.

We had a nice evening planned, too. Then our 17 year old son called in a SOS - he had run out of gas a few blocks from home. He was on his dinner break from work, and was in a hurry to get gas and get back to his job.

Well, that simple errand ended three hours later with his 1972 Jeep being towed home after the engine caught fire!

In the midst of dealing with the police, the fire department, some friendly and valiant helpers, the tow truck and Larry's distress, Bob and I had little time to communicate with one another. Yet, we felt close to one another and in touch with one another through our nonverbal communication. Our gestures, our looks, and a simple touch of a shoulder or hand communicated lots.

This is a short feature. We apologize. But it is late, we're tired, and right now the two of us need to go to bed and hold on to one another as we say a prayer of thanks that Larry wasn't hurt.

Please let us know how you communicate in a crisis. Send us a note so we can learn from one another.