The threat of severe weather hangs on in the American South.
We had this yesterday: unconfirmed tornado south of here, but no damage, funnel clouds seen in Burleson, waited out the storms at the hospital up the road; had a "Code Black" there, everyone moved to halls until threat passed. Scary stuff! But we made it through, no damage here. That is only by the grace of God! :)
It is bound to happen the springtime, especially here in the southland. It is only mid morning, and already we are under threat for severe weather.
According to the Weather Channel (and the NOAA weather radio Johnny has in his room; it's on alert standby), we are in for some rough weather. Yesterday in Texas it spawned several tornadoes, and in the border town of Eagle Pass, Texas, over seven people were killed when their trailer was picked up by the strong tornado-driven winds and was slammed into an elementary school. We may be put under weather watches before too long here in the Nashville, Tennessee, area.
I'm sorry, but I don't do severe weather very well. Living in Hurricane Country (and now living here in the mid south, where tornadoes are commonplace in the springtime) has seen to that. Every time NOAA or the Weather Channel even remotesly announces that we may have severe weather here, I am already sprouting feathers, and I'm already coming up with a plan to get our family to the saferoom as quickly as possible.
When it comes to severe weather, I'm a basket case. Ask my husband, Bill. He can tell you some stories on how I react during severe weather season. It's not pretty.
Unfortunately, I'm also passing the fear of storms on to some of my own children, which is not a good thing. Ronee' is nearly as terrified of bad weather as I am. When it lightnings or thunders, it isn't long before the tears gather in her eyes or her lips turn into a pout and her chin starts quivering. She will grab hold of my waist and look up at me with a look of terror, and she'll say, "Maman, is it gonna' storm?" I tell her, "Yes, baby, but all we can do is pray that God gets us through this in one piece. It's the only thing we can do."
That seems to calm her down a little--that is, until the sirens start to wail and the skies turn green or the winds pick up in intensity. That's when Ronee' (and I) both lose it. I tell Ronee' and the kids to get to the saferoom STAT, and I am busy grabbing kids left and right and hauling them to the saferoom; all the while, I am screaming for Bill and my parents, asking them if they are home, and telling them to get into the saferoom too. It's madness, it's pure-t madness at our house during severe weather season!
Then people wonder why I don't sleep well in the spring. Tornadoes or the severe weather threat do that to me. I am probably one of the biggest storm phobics this side of the Mississippi River!
Hope all will be fine....this is so scary to think about!!
Love Tinka
Reviewed by LadyJtalks LadyJzTalkZone
4/26/2007
At least with hurricanes along the south carolina coast you had plenty of time to get to the schools/shelters on the other side of the water way. I don't think I could handle anything that comes up that quick. You are brave to stay there as all of those who love that part of the country. I'll wish you all a safe season there. Inspires a good write though. Good luck. Lady J
all we can do is pray that God gets us through this in one piece. It's the only thing we can do."
Sometimes, that's all we really can do.
Reviewed by d. k
4/25/2007
Sounds like it was a bad storm!! So glad I don't live in the storm belt. That has got to be either the most exciting or the most frightening. Like you my friend, I'd be the latter!! Lightening scars the hedk out of me! Good thing all were sent to the saferoom!! Great descriptive write! I felt the impending storm way up here in the North!!
I think you two should pack your things and move North, we do have snowstorms and the cold winters but no twisters and hurricanes like you get. Glad you survived and both have comfort in each other.
A book of nature inspired poems and essays, written from the heart and soul of a life-long nature, animal, and wilderness lover, and dedicated to today’s children - Earth's only hope for a better tomorrow.
This book won 'The Poetry Category'
Explore the mystery of how nature makes unexpected gifts of creative wonders to an unsuspecting caregiver one late night and early morning in southeastern Georgia, USA.
