A Night's Serenity

I was 11 years old, spending the night at my Aunt’s house in “the valley” (LA). It was a hot summer night, and all was silent but the symphony of crickets. There was a light breeze from the overhead fan. I had one leg in the covers, one leg out. I remember not being able to sleep, and my aunt’s soothing, yet perplexing words in reply were, “Just don’t think of anything”. It was the first time I had ever heard that, and at 11 years old, I didn’t know it was at all possible. I remember struggling at first, that night, to make it work, and after only five minutes of trying, I fell asleep. Ever since then, whenever I am having trouble sleeping, I hear my Aunt’s voice say these words and remember the scene as it was that night. Unfortunately, it’s a lot harder now calming my restless mind with a few simple words (even with the fake sound of crickets I purchased on itunes), but I will never forget that moment of peace…when all worries were assuaged by a comforting voice, five seemingly simple words, and a backdrop of a country night’s serenity.

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