We are under a tornado warning right now here in Bigtown Alabama, and it brought the oddest memory to mind. As an adult, having had a couple of close calls under my belt and having seen the movie "Twister", I have a respect for tornadoes ( and even a little fear). I remember a time, though, that the threat of severe weather made me feel a little giddy, similar to the feeling you get when you are out of school for a snow day. My mother always made everything seem like a party or holiday. If the lights were out, it was fun. If a blizzard was coming, we were all excited. She had a knack for making things alright. As an adult, I realize that surely she might have been a LITTLE worried, but she never showed it. If she told us to go to the basement, it wasn't for any other reason except to participate in some fun activity she pulled out of her sleeve at that moment. Unfortunately, because of some close encounters with my kids, they do NOT share this giddy feeling I have associated with severe weather. Knowing that makes me a little sad. I know I have been blessed to not have lost everything like so many have, and I feel deeply for them. They will only feel terror when the siren sounds.
