Hunkering Down Before July Referrals

We seem to be entering a phase that can only be described as "hunkering down".
An analogy. Of Sorts.

When hurricanes threaten we instinctively begin to horde non-perishable food, water, batteries, gas, etc. You name it, we stock up and get ready to ride it out. This can go on for days and in some cases, weeks (though 2004 was more like months!). It's a bit draining to say the least. In any event, you prepare for anything and everything while fully expecting conditions to change on a dime.

Which leads me to believe we have somehow slipped into a Referral Hunker Down mode. A somewhat defensive position designed to guard oneself against any sudden "storms" or unsuspected weather disturbances in the ever changing clime of Adoption World. It's like we're planning an outdoor celebration but spending an inordinate amount of time worried about the possibility of it raining. While being properly prepared is one thing, to lose sight of the joy ushering in the celebration seems a bit. Well... Silly.

So why the defensive posturing? Possibly it's self preservation to help dampen the emotional setback in not receiving a Referral in July? Sure, I can buy into that. Poor us. Yeah, right. Then again, maybe it's the strain of The Wait catching up to us? Can't lie, that one does pop its head up every now and then forcing us to grab a mallet and pound it back down. You know, it could be we're just a little edgy. In an excited, nervous sort of way. Heck, we might be doing you all a favor. Everyone on this journey is experiencing The Wait. Whining about it, while bringing much needed empathy, can easily become too much whining sending blog friends, neighbors and family looking for a quick but polite exit. Can you blame them?

With all of this and that rattling about my head, a thought just slipped in. It could be we're not so much experiencing an emotional hunkering as it is we're storing up referral energy reserves. We're not being defensive. We're being pro-active. Oh, I like that idea. Storing energy reserves. That's it! We're not "hunkering" we're Storing! I love it when a seemingly negative force pressing against you suddenly becomes a positive force propelling you.

So. Do I change the title to Storing Energy Before July Referrals? Nah. Let it ride... After all, it's a long storm season here in Florida and we should stay prepared for August just in case. Storing Energy. Man, I'm glad I thought of that... Feeling better already.
peace
fm