Scary World

I don't know about you, but when my adrenaline rushes I feel my heart start to flutter and I get this uncomfortable tingly sensation in my stomach.

As many times a day that I get that rushing feeling, I can't say that I'll ever get used to it. Nor do I want to lest I become numb to the fear that makes my heart skip beats.

I still can't figure out why people purposely put themselves in situations just to get that "rush," that adrenaline high, that extreme feeling of fear...what for? Some measly release of endorphins?

Seriously, if they want that feeling all the time, tell them to just have kids. It's a scary world out there and watching your kids move about their lives through it all sets off all kinds of parental alarms.

You can feel your body change the moment you know something is about to happen. From that first instant where you know your child is falling or about to hurt themselves, everything seems to happen in slow-motion. Your hands reach out as first instinct and your feet take off in a run in hopes to stop whatever is about to occur. Your mind begins processing at a rapid pace, and all your emotions of fear, dread, worry - pour out in a matter of seconds.

And though there may be some tears, it's not over until you heave that deep sigh of relief while you're cradling your child in your arms reminding them that all is well.

It's crazy what parenthood puts you through on a daily basis. Perhaps those thrill seekers out there have little care for their own mortality as they participate in extreme bungee skydiving with sharks (or whatever), but when it comes to someone else's life, those adrenaline rushes just aren't fun.

Reports about H1N1, planning for earthquake and fire safety, crossing the street, just take on a whole new meaning when there are others involved that depend on you...especially little ones whom you love so much it hurts.

So it is a scary world out there...but really what can you do, except spend as much time now holding your children in your arms until that fateful day when it's finally time to face your fears and let them go into the world on their own.

Oh gosh, how I dread that day.