There is nothing more powerful than Mother Nature's forces. The year was 1997 and I had just finished the seventh grade. To me summertime was supposed to be a time for barbeques, vacationing, and going to the community pool. Instead it became a horrifying experience that I will never forget.
It was the first day of summer vacation and the National Weather Channel had issued a tornado warning for the state of Tennessee. Like any other 13-year old I was a bit worried about strong winds and violent storms. As the storm passed over my house my mom would watch me frantically pacing back and forth throughout the house. Looking up at the clouds I prayed that I would still be breathing in a few hours.
These storms continue for weeks until mid-July. At that time we were packing for for vacation in Florida. When we arrived in Miami the flight attendent warned us of a violent storm.
Florida Liner
How I Spent My Summer Vacation (film)
English: Summer VacationA few minutes after that announcement I saw a lightning bolt strike a few feet away from the plane! I was hysterical. Leaving the airport I gave out a sigh of relief knowing that I was safely on the ground. But the worst was yet to come. When we were driving to the keys of Florida.
DVD cover for Summer Vacation 1999, showing the an...
It's the new Mother Nature Taking Over
I took this photo during my summer vacation in Mal...
English: family vacation summer 2007