The midwest is such an interesting place to watch storms. Sometimes they rage, loud and violent against the earth and sky. And, sometimes they are low, steady, and drenching. Rumbles of thunder echo for hours and you feel the aftershocks from the storm – the wind, the wet ground, the heavy air – long after the storm has passed.
For me, the personal storms of life are a little of both – the intensity is there, especially when you are hit suddenly by something that knocks your world off kilter. But, after the immediate storm has passed, you are left with the clean up. But, this clean up is a little dfferent. It’s emotional work, it’s hard work, and it doesn’t have a definite end date. You get through the first layer and you find where there is something else there – rotting, festering, making the foundation unstable.
Throughout every storm I’ve encountered, one thing remains true – facing the storm with people is always better than facing the storm alone. That’s one of the reasons this company means so much to me – there is nothing about theater that is a solitary act. Even if you’re the only one on stage, there is an entire crew of people behind the scenes.
We are all part of a big group of humans that are doing their best to weather their storms and provide refuge to others when they can. Thank you for joining us on this journey. If the storms of life have gotten to you, reach out. If there is a way you want to help with After the Storm, reach out.
We’re here – and we’ve got each other’s backs.
Love, Emily