08/27/2026
Hi everyone! It's been awhile since I've posted anything... The truth is I just really haven't had it in me since a terrible event occurred that my family and I went through a few weeks ago.
It all started as a wonderful Summer camping trip to Jellystone Park in Bostic, NC in the mountains! Which, by the way, took everything in me just to pull me away from the farm. I feel there is just so much work to prepare for a trip it almost never seems worth it. But, needless to say I pressed on and got everything done for my kids and husband and I to have a great trip! Once away from the farm we all had an amazing time! There was a waterpark and many amenities that really made for a great trip.
On our last day it was a bit gloomy and we were all waterparked out. We saw on the campground map a small hike up to a look out, it was less than a mile hike. So, we thought it sounded fun! Hiking has always been one of my family's favorite activities. We always go prepared with lots of water and snacks and usually are prepared for almost anything we may come across. Today, we weren't prepared for what was about to happen to us...
We had a great time on our hike up! There was many beautiful mushrooms from recent rain and even some flowers blooming which I of course love! We reached the top to the lookout building! It was so awesome! We were looking around and enjoying all the sites. We had our two seven month old lab puppies with us too. They were really happy to let out some energy.
Suddenly, within less than five minutes from getting to the top it started to look like it may rain. My husband and I looked at each other trying to decide if we should leave or stay. It appeared to be a small storm so we decided to stay until the rain let up. In less than one minute of our decision, the most violent lightning I've ever seen started to appear out of seemingly no where. The thunder was deafening. We were absolutely terrified. I held my two small children tightly to my legs to try and comfort them the best I could. My husband clutched the leashes of our two small puppies tightly because they were terrified too. In less than 30 seconds myself, my husband, and my three precious children were struck by lightning. My heart is pounding as I type this because of the terror inside me now...
Literally, the unimaginable... As the lightning hit, it felt as if I was being taken over by a force in which I've never felt. I couldn't move, I couldn't speak, I couldn't do anything. Frozen like a stone wall. My ears ringing from the incredibly loud thunder and I guess the strike itself. Everything went white. I was blinded. I knew what was going on, but there was nothing I could do. Finally, out of the grace of God, I somehow was let go by the force holding me. At that point I had no idea what was going on. My older son screaming, I look down to my two youngest. My youngest son crying in the worst way imaginable, my daughter looked at me and said "Mom I'm okay." Shock, disbelief and fear filled her precious little face. Still thunder and lightning going all around in such force. I realized now my husband is laying there on the ground, unresponsive, not speaking... nothing. I immediately dial 911.
As I dialed 911 my hands trembled. My arms and legs were numb and tingling from the strike. I knew I had no choice though, I was it. I had to stay strong for my kids, I had to keep myself together. I looked down at my husband desperately searching for some sign of life from him. Finally, after what seemed like forever, he barely moved his eye lids. Now on the phone with the operator I was answering many questions. After some time my husband finally was with us. Not speaking clearly, not himself, but ALIVE! Thank God!! I'd thought I lost him. After spending time with the amazing EMS crew that rescued us we were taken down the trail in ATVs and met by ambulance. Many hours and tests later we were released and medically cleared!
The whole point of this post is not really even the story, but what I've learned from it all. At least so far, I definitely will never sweat the small stuff again. The things that are important are the people we love, especially my babies. Reading a bed time story is suddenly so much more meaningful. Taking the time to look at their 15th block tower of the day even though I have a thousand things to do. The truth is so many things can wait. But they can't wait, they will be grown, those moments will never come back. I'm so incredibly greatful to be alive and that by some miracle somewhere my three kids, my wonderful husband, myself and our pups made it off that mountain alive. A few battle scars, but time heals. Hug your loved ones close any chance you get 💖
Picture is a beautiful rainbow just a few weeks before our trip.
