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 One would never know by the way the day started that disaster was going to strike.  I awoke to a beautiful, sunshiny morning.  The sky was a brilliant blue, not a cloud anywhere in sight.  I would loved to have taken the day off work because the dawn of tomorrow was only twenty-four hours away.   My youngest child, a son, had graduated from high school and tomorrow was his open house.  Reluctantly, I mad my way to work knowing that my husband and son would be able to accomplish the necessary tasks without me.

   As my workday progressed, the sky became exceedingly dark and the weather report was calling for thunderstorms with possible tornadoes.  Around five o’clock a tornado warning was issued for my county.  I was concerned, but I tried to keep my cool.  I did not want to frighten the children in my care at the day care center.  It was near closing time, and parents were already picking up their kids hoping to make it home before the storm hit.

   After work, I walked out to my car and checked my cell phone.  There was a voice mail from my son informing me that the storm had knocked over our giant poplar tree and sheared the top off of our Norway Maple tree.  He told me that I would probably have to find a different way home.  Both ends of our highway were blocked with downed trees, and police officers were redirecting traffic.  I immediately called my husband, who confirmed what my son had alread stated in his message.

   Never, in my forty-plus years that I have lived in this area had a storm hit with such fireceness.  I was not prepared for what I was about to set my eyes on when I arrived home.  My backyard looked like someone had taken a hand grenade to it.  Branches were everywhere:  on the roof, on the deck, on the ground, and inthe tops of other trees.  Thank God our house was still standing and my husband, brother-in-law, and son were safe.