In times like these

3 days ago, I dreamt that I was escaping a tsunami with three children. By the miracles of dream-land, we had enough time to get to our house, rescue a few needed items, jump in the car and outdrive the approaching wave. I woke up with the dream so fresh in my mind that it gave me the most unsettling feeling while I was getting dressed, and I couldn't shake it. This dream of mine had been so real. And then, while making breakfast, I switched on BBC news to see actual footage of a tsunami. I swear, I thought I was still dreaming - but I wasn't. Japan had been hit by an 8.9 earthquake and the resulting tsunami. At first, I felt really sick. My dream had been so real, it almost felt as though I'd actually been there. But as Theo and I watched the continuing footage, one thing became apparently clear - despite my dream, I couldn't even begin to comprehend what the victims of the tsunami were feeling or going through. And I've never felt luckier - lucky to live in a country where the weather is relatively mild and natural disasters are very few in number; lucky to have a home and the ability to indulge in simple pleasures; lucky to have my beautiful boy eating his pancakes and strawberries by my side.

It's almost awful how it takes such a tragedy to put life into perspective. I've spent months worrying about jobs, finances and allowing myself to get irritated at my son's inability to stop talking - and now it all seems so ridiculous. I have a home; my finances are going to require some juggling (thanks 'austerity measures'!) but are not beyond help; and if I can't find a job right this second, it's not the end of the world. My son is happy and healthy and what more could I possibly want for him? Sometimes I feel so lonely - but although I have no friends around me, I am so incredibly far from alone. I hope I never forget that.