All was fine and dandy. We got into our sleeping bags then immediately zipped out of it because it was way too muggy. The kids stripped to their underwear and we opened the vents. And then it poured.
Like any 21st century mom, I picked up my phone to navigate to ‘oh crap now what. I’m camping and it sounds like Thunder’ I thumbed through the alerts & notifications earlier like it was noise. Sigh. If only I had paid attention.
This is what the material said – first and foremost don’t put yourself in this situation ever 🙁
If you do so happen to be in this rotten position then pray that you’re not the highest point and that you don’t get zapped with electricity. Stay on your insulated mat it said as I tried to place my legs diagonally on my mat that was now occupied by my daughter. I was convinced my extremities would get electrocuted.
It was time to be responsible so I woke my husband up from his slumber. I shook him vigorously though I cannot for the life of me understand how he can sleep through the now very loud lightning and thunder. All that remained was the thin veil of a tent. There were air vents that were the perforated portion which let in gusts of wind of which there were many.
Photo by Bethany Laird on Unsplash
Of course, he argued and said it was going to be ok. Of course, I counter-argued backed up with plenty of internet expertise. After taking ample time to read through the warnings he looked at me and said it’s too late. Too what?!?!?! It’s too late, it’s safer to stay in here and pray for your safety than risk being struck trying to get to the car. His actual statements were a lot less cavalier perhaps. I resisted and pushed my case, he barely made an attempt to convince me. My attempts got meeker as it became abundantly apparent he was right. I surrendered wishing I’d been more religious and terrified for the fate of my family, our children and the peril we put them in.
Meanwhile, my better half snored generously in what appeared to be a sound sleep. I am not typically afraid of this weather. I just try to stay dry is all. And though that was the case the lack of protection I felt from any attack even with darling brave couldn’t be bothered if he tried husband was monumental. I whimpered like a little puppy while everyone slept blissfully unaware or unperturbed. After an hour to no avail, I tried to distract myself with thoughts about movies and finally succumbed to the ultimate mind-numbing exercise which is online shopping.
After doing some damage on zulily I started tracking the weather channel. When were the thunderstorms going to pass?
…….
I’m not certain when I gave up the vigil and gave into sleep. I’m grateful we’re alive. Excuse me now. I have to go to kill my husband.
