Tornadoes Can Teach You Things

Where I grew up we were used to the constant threat of tornadoes and severe weather that would always arrive each summer.

Many an hour was spent in the basement hiding under the sturdy workbench that served as our “safe room”. Even though it wasn’t a room at all, just a workbench that my father made next to the water heater and furnace, it was big enough that if something fell from above we were certain it wouldn’t hurt too much.

But what happens when you aren’t home? No workbench or basement to run to?

I found out at summer camp.

The weather had been rough all week. Lots of rain and thunder interrupting our canoe trips on the lake and swimming lessons.

We made a lot of crafts that week.

And we were getting used to the large trees losing a branch or two, taking turns proving our manhood as we attempted to move them from the trails we walked.

One day, we were warned at breakfast to be alert and stay focused as the weather service had told our camp overlords that the weather in the afternoon may be rougher than usual.

They were not kidding.

After lunch, which usually included some time for campsite shenanigans, or naps, depending on your age, the dark clouds started rolling in.

Thunder and lighting were almost in sync. Which means that the lighting was very close by.

Rain was starting to cascade from the sky and we had to station ourselves in our tents and hold the sides down so they wouldn’t blow away.

Then came the sirens.

We were well versed in what to do. Duck and cover comes with the territory, being drilled into you since kindergarten with monthly drills at school.

But we were outside! No workbench to hide under.

And did I mention that I was deathly afraid of thunderstorms?

The tent was flapping and lifting as we tried our best to hold it down as we covered our heads.

Then the sound we all knew was not a good sign.

No sound at all.

The silence meant that a tornado was nearby.

I knew that if my bunk mate could even look at me, I was probably white as a ghost. Definitely shaking uncontrollably, but still holding down the tent.

We didn’t hear the roaring train-like sound that comes with the core of a tornado.

But it struck not too far from our campsite.

No loss of life, thankfully, but a lot of trees we all had to clean up.

After that experience, I never panicked again during a thunderstorm.

Because I knew that whatever came my way, I could see it through.

I lived through a tornado.

While I was camping.

Outside.

If I could survive that, nothing else could rattle me. It fostered a sense of confidence and an ability to keep calm under pressure.

I don’t know what happened to all the crafts I made that week, but I came home with something that I have used everyday.