I have learned that it is not a smart idea to go under a tree while it is lightning and thundering outside.

I was standing under a tree yesterday during a sudden cloudburst.  I figured I would be safe ... then, all of a sudden, without any warning whatsoever, there was a blinding flash and the world's biggest "BOOM"!

I thought I had been hit by lightning.

I screamed and fell over onto my side, whimpering like a little lost puppy.  

Mom and Dad both came rushing towards me, screaming and hollering, "JAKE!! JAKE!! Are you OKAY?? JAKE!! JAKE!!"

I was too stunned to answer.

Then my parents started in on me; I couldn't hear a word they were saying.  I couldn't hardly see anything either, excepting for a white, blinding light every time I shut my eyes.

Lesson learned.  I nearly became toast (LITERALLY!!).

Now whenever it threatens to storm outside or my parents see even one tiny, fluffy, friendly-looking cloud in the sky, they refuse to let me outside.

Thank God the lightning didn't hit the tree I was under, but it was close.  Too close.  Very much so; turns out the lightning hit only 50 yards away!  Too, too close for comfort!  I could really feel the heat off that bolt!

Good thing I'm not a storm chaser, is all I can say!!