Although I am trying to take more personal risks this year, I still play it safe where my babies are concerned. So when CRAZY storms blew through last night...I'm talking 2AM tornado siren, lightning as constant as a strobe light, and thunder that could only be rivaled by my Grandpa's snoring CRAZY, I decided to stay home all day today.
Then at about 11:30 this morning it looked pretty clear and the roads looked mostly dry so we decided to go 5 minutes from home to get some books and DVDs at the library. Half way there it started dumping buckets and I could just picture us getting stuck in the basement of the library waiting out the storm, so I turned back. Yes, I know I am paranoid and what is the likelihood of getting stuck at the library? Usually my paranoia is unfounded but today it was a premonition.
After returning home safely from our trip half way to the library I recommitted myself to staying home all day. Chloe took a nap and the rest of us just hung out.
After Chloe's nap the sky looked dark, but not stormy and there hadn't been any rain for a few hours. I decided I should take the kids and run to Super Walmart. Seth is a couple hours north of here at Youth Conference. With him gone it was the perfect chance to let the kids pick out Fathers Day gifts. Just to be super safe I checked the weather on 2 different websites and it looked like we'd have a few clear hours.
I loaded the kids and we drove uneventfully to Super Walmart (about 20 minutes away). We were shopping and laughing at the silly ideas the kids had for gifts for Daddy. Suddenly we heard a booming announcement instructing us to leave our baskets and go directly to the dressing rooms in the center of the store because there was a...TORNADO!!!! Oh mercy! Nice job safe, paranoid mom.
Alex immediately covered his head and started wailing. He looked so afraid but I knew I couldn't cry. I hugged him and started dragging all 3 kids to the center of the store. We piled in to 3 dressing rooms with the other 5 million Super Walmart patrons. There I was with my whole life's worth clinging to my legs and nothing but a Walmart changing room to protect them.
Luckily Alyssa remembered that we have something far stronger to protect us than Sam Walton's dressing room. I was shaking; Alex was still shrieking! Alyssa, usually the first to panic and cry, calmly said "I know what to do" and dropped without hesitation to her knees and started praying...OUT LOUD(remember this kid is afraid to even raise her hand in church). It was crowded beyond standing room only but I did my best to crouch down next to her and fold my arms in prayer. When she was done Alex was still wailing. She immediately prayed again for Alex.
After we were released from our makeshift bunker I looked outside and it was just starting to drizzle. Everyone was running to the checkout lanes to make their purchases. I decided to just get out of there before the rain really hit. Walking to the car the wind was insane and the sky was far darker than it should have been. I felt like I was starring in Twister as I tried to herd my kids into the van safely.
We got on the road and started home. I learned very quickly that to get home we would have to drive right into the thick of it. The light drizzle transformed into a massive downpour. I have never seen rain like this before. I could see nothing but the occasional reflector in the road or oncoming traffic lights. I hit a fallen tree branch at one point which I only saw when my tire flipped it up in the air. I was shaking and truly terrified. I was trying so hard not to cry although I don't think it could have hindered my visibility any more than it was already.
We finally made it home and raced down to our basement. Me and Alyssa were shaking. Alex was happy...to him home equals safety. Chloe was asking for hot dogs, totally oblivious to the danger I had put her in. Me and Alyssa sat on the couch and just bawled.
Now that I am in the safety of my own home again and no longer shaking...I am so grateful for prayers that are heard and answered, especially when they are the prayers of my children. I hate being scared but love experiences that inspire faith in their young lives. I love that it was Heavenly Fathers will to keep us safe today. I know that may not be his will tomorrow so I will be grateful for just this day.
And as for taking risks...I believe that may be overrated.
Second Week of School
3 years ago
15 comments:
Wow!!!!! What a scary experience! I'm so glad you arrived home safe and unharmed. Was there a lot of damage from the storm? Alyssa, you set a great example for the rest of us! I too am grateful Heavenly Father kept you safe today. - Aunt Julie
One other question - was the Youth Conference outdoors? And is Seth safe, too?
Oh my gosh, this just brought tears to my eyes!! You always criticize your parenting/discipline but this story proves how lucky your kids are to have you. The spiritual lessons you give them helped them more than any clean room ever will! I can't believe that happened...SO scary. The worst must have been Al crying like that, it would have broke my heart.
Are you serious! So scary! I am so glad to hear that you are alright too!
Way to go Alyssa! Such an inspiration. And way to go Julie, I know I would have freaked out more than you!
what a sweetheart. Proof that you're raising them right Julie.
Hi Julie,
That answers my question to your last blog about this years tornado action. I think it's not possible to describe how terrrrrrrifying that experience must be. Isn't it wonderful that your children are learning such valuable spiritual lessons. You and Seth are teaching them well. Thankfully you made it home safely.
Love,
Dad
ps... we don't have those things here...food for thought
Seriously. What a storm. It's funny you brought up Twister becasue huddled in our basement at one point bangs started on our window down there over and over and we could hear them hitting the sides of the house and I'm sure it was hail but I whispered, "Debris. We've got debris."
I'm so impressed by Alyssa. That is amazing. I am so glad you guys are okay. I can't imagine having been stuck in that in Walmart.
Oh my goodness! Julie that is sooooooo scary. I am speechless after reading. So glad you guys are ok and so inspired by your bravery and Alyssa's example.
Glad that you guys are ok Julie. What a close call. And how wonderful to have such a sweet daughter to remind you about prayer. My kids do that all the time. They truly are gifts to us. We have tornadoes here too, but have yet to see one. Cross my fingers.
what a beautiful daughter you have. how blessed to be guided by the mouth of children
I just read Cheryls blog and I am glad you all are all okay! Summer is great in WI but the tornadoes are not! I am assuming by LeShels post she had her baby and she's doing well?!
Crazy!!!! I'm sure it was lots scarrier in Walmart than it was at home watching the weather updates and having those meteorologists give the play-by-play. I LOVE a good thunderstorm, but as soon as there is talk of a tornado, it just isn't fun anymore!
"...and a little child shall lead them..." What an example Alyssa was to the other 3 million people in the dressing room! I hope she remembers this experience.
And--the wind we get here only knocks over sheds. More food for thought!!
I was out there last January and you told me tornadoes never hit there, just as the siren started going off. Alyssa and I were both scared and she said a prayer and she prayed for us to be safe from tornadoes and grinches. What more could you ask for?
Glad you guys made it home safely! It was a crazy time and totally unexpected. Annie made sure to get us all down to the basement (even the dog and was frantic that she couldn't find the cat). Hopefully, that will be our only experience with tornadoes and rough storms this summer.
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