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Joy’s Reflections: What do you dream about on a long winter’s night?

Joy McClain

December 30, 2022

3 Min Read
black bear at Atlanta zoo
REAL BEAR! This bear is real, not in a dream. Relax, though, it is in the Atlanta Zoo, on the other side of very strong barriers. Tom J. Bechman

My boots shuffle along dead leaves in the bare woods of winter. A typical walk, without agenda or purpose, I am alone and outside — two favorite things. Other than the occasional bird flitting about, all is quiet.

Without any explanation, a sense of anxiety begins to rise. With every step, I can’t shake the feeling something is watching me. Branches are thick, but without foliage, shapes and contours can easily be seen. I reach up my hand to push back tiny branches covered in thorns.

Suddenly, I see it just a few feet away. My hand falls limp. Fear grips me. I am alone with a waddling black bear. His nose is up, sniffing, looking for his next meal, which I hope will not be me. Panic sets in. Then I wake up.

Dreams and DNA

I’ve had this vivid bear dream so many times, I’m starting to be weary of the backwoods. Sometimes, when the two older grandsons and I are exploring the dense area, I find I’m reassuring myself — there haven’t been bears in this area for a very long time.

My dad used to have a dream on repeat. It seemed to be especially popular during planting and harvesting. It was the terrifying tornado — when the storm of the century darkens the sky, heads right for you, and you can’t get out of the way, get your livestock out of the barn or even get to shelter yourself. I inherited a few traits from my father, lucid dreams being one.

Strangely, our dreams never hovered around the most popular on any list. Flying, falling, failing a test, teeth falling out or standing in our birthday suits in front of a crowd of people weren’t our forte. We’ve always been too busy chasing cows that got out, fixing an irreparable fence or discovering black bears in our backyard. There are times I wake up exhausted, having experienced more when my body is attempting to rest than I do when I am working all day.

Why farmers dream

Farmers have one of the most unpredictable and high-stress jobs. It isn’t a stretch to imagine why their reaction to an event or stimulus could lead to crazy dreams. That’s probably what accounted for my dad’s constant adventures with livestock and tornadoes. I recall he especially remembered his dreams if he was trying to solve a problem. He did a lot of figuring and building when he was supposed to be asleep. Apparently, I don’t attempt to be so productive in life. I’m just out there wandering in the woods happening upon giant predators.

Are you flying through the sky when the last field is planted? Getting chased by a monster when the weather is keeping you from getting in the field? Standing in your skivvies when you’re having a serious conversation with your creditor?

Anyone finding rogue beasts behind your house? Blame the pepperoni pizza if you want, or your emotions working toward stability. I’m still trying to convince myself bears haven’t crossed the Ohio River headed north.

McClain writes from Greenwood, Ind.

About the Author(s)

Joy McClain

Joy McClain writes from Greenwood, Ind.

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