There’s a knocking noise at night that my wife’s ears pick up at night. I don’t notice it because some hearing loss that I’m many times grateful to have. Be careful what you wish for would be her warning! It’s apparently coming from the pool pump area just outside our bedroom wall. I went out to investigate but can’t find a cause. She called the pool company this morning after it kept her up all night, along with my many visits to the bathroom. She hears every creak in the floor and is sensitive to light. I’m apparently oblivious – able to tune out anything – and once accused of having “father’s ear.”

The other night she had me up investigating strange sounds in the garage. “Could be an alligator – did I close the door?” It turned out to be a soap dish that lost its suction on the side of the laundry room sink. Noises, smells, and light sensitivity don’t bother me – but drive her nuts. I wish I could help but even our dog doesn’t stir about these issues. However, I do not want to discount her fears and try to be responsive as possible to these bumps in the night. She does not watch scary movies or harbor negative thoughts. There are occasional nightmares but there’s no real reason for her imagination to run wild. It’s just that she has eyes like a hawk, radar ears, and the nose of a sommelier. Nothing gets by! I, on the other hand, have the eyes of a blind squirrel who occasionally finds an acorn, ears filled with wax, and a nose that can’t even distinguish rancid food. I often need her guidance.

Bump. Bump. Bump. I wish I could help her sleep comfortably at night. She tracks earthquakes and hurricanes and will keep us prepared. I remain oblivious to the dangers that surround me. Ghosts and goblins must be frustrated trying to get my attention. I’ve even written about serial killers but they don’t seem to infect my dreams. In the famous words of Alfred E. Newman – What Me Worry (about bumps in the night)?