PANDEMIC = Psychological. Anxiety. No end in sight. Depressing. Erratic. Masks. Isolation. Change. Psychological My face is puffy from tears falling for humanity. My eyes are stinging, filtering emotional trauma that has been blocked for so long behind a busy life. When I blink enough salt droplets to fill a sea trickle down my mask.Continue reading “Pandemic Reflections. May, 2020.”
Author Archives: jwbean
These Empty Terminals Are Temporary
As I walk through the empty terminal of Austin Bergstrom Airport I have to remind myself of one thing: This is temporary. You can hear a pin drop in the terminal. Aircraft engines are cold, jet bridges are empty, and wheels are chocked upon vacant tarmacs. Departure boards are red with cancelations, and social distancing is made easyContinue reading “These Empty Terminals Are Temporary”
A Left Turn Landed Me In The ER With Grippy Fuzzy Socks
Attempting to stand my knee was a noodle. Ski patrol does not like knee noodles. I made a left turn, that was it. Time paused, I felt funky and fell, but had no pain. Something was off. I always wanted to experience the downhill sled method until it happened and I couldn’t physically stand. A pizzaContinue reading “A Left Turn Landed Me In The ER With Grippy Fuzzy Socks”
You Just Don’t Know…
You don’t know what a soul is experiencing as you pass their vacant expression. I was in shock, I had received a tragic call. I was in a gondola heading to a clinic that rainy Sunday, but my cell rang twice, catching my attention. My gut sank. Via voicemail, did my Mom say dead?! Their dane barked theContinue reading “You Just Don’t Know…”
Alto Progreso. A Shanty Town With A Ton Of Heart…
Scenery changed to dirt, our cab weaved obstacles, and uphill we climbed. The bumpy ride jolted not only my body, but the awareness of my surroundings. My jaw fell to the floor of our rickety cab, viewing a landscape that mirrored a Third World. Wheels halted at the base of a narrow stairway which climbedContinue reading “Alto Progreso. A Shanty Town With A Ton Of Heart…”
Peruvians Are Loves
First 24 hours south of the Equator…Day 1, Peru. I forgot kids sell goods on the street. I forgot running water, toilets, warm showers, and safe drinking water are amenities. I forgot that some have dirt sidewalks and only torn shoes. I forgot that people with less, sometimes have so much more… I realized dirtContinue reading “Peruvians Are Loves”
For A Cause Greater Than Myself…
Please support me to empower a child while volunteering abroad next month. Your donation would greatly be appreciated. Please see the link below. No amount is too small. http://www.gofundme.com/mq27ctth Thank you for your time and consideration… https://beansdream.com/
My Mom…
She held his hand bedside as he passed. A radio played in the distance. The 23rd Psalm had been recited over his weakened body. My Mom’s Father and her had not always seen eye to eye, but she cared for him, and was there for him until he stopped breathing. She was the only oneContinue reading “My Mom…”
One Stent Opened Two Hearts
Ice cubes scraped sides of Styrofoam cups. Plastic gloves and open Johnnies. IV’s, hospital food, alarms and moving beds. Toilets slept beneath cabinets, alert button on remotes. Blood pressure sleeves inflated over a forearm black and blue… Cords beneath sheets, plastic clips upon fingertips. Thermometers. Machines on wheels and grippy fuzzy sock bottoms. Ice creamContinue reading “One Stent Opened Two Hearts”
South Korea Took Kimchi Bravery
I could feel every eye on me as I boarded the public bus. Wishing for less attention, I discretely grabbed a hanging strap, and stood near a window. The red in my cheeks dissipated after coins clunked in the tray, guessing incorrect fare. The driver pulled from the curb. I was the only tourist onContinue reading “South Korea Took Kimchi Bravery”
Bean's Dream 