Wednesday, May 26, 2010

Not So Wordless Wed: Still in Altus



In Altus Oklahoma during the 1st week of May,Lincoln School has their annual May Day Festivities. My uncle Prof, W. C. Daviss was the school Principal. I was spending the summer there and my Uncle had invited me to watch the activities. They had sack races,rally around the flag pole,and of course the crowning of the King and Queen.

This particular year as everyone was laughing and enjoying themselves, I heard a loud noise that sounded similar to that of a railroad train. A loud whistle sounded out in the distance. Since I was watching the sack races and people were running anyway, I really didn't notice that the entire field was empty.
Empty except for me. Not being from there how did I know what was going on.
We were staying not that far from the railroad tracks so I am sure the train sound did not phase me

Suddenly it got still and real cold. I looked towards the north and noticed a large black cloud headed in my direction. It seemed like it covered the entire northern sky. It was then that I realized that this was stranger danger dressed in a black gloomy cloud. I was the only one left on the field. I froze dead in my tracks. The huge black cloud was getting closer and closer, picking up speed and whatever was in its path.
Finally I heard my name. Vicky, Vicky. Then louder, with more force Vicky Vicky Vicky, over here Vicky.
I turned around and there stood my uncle Prof frantically flailing his arms and screaming for me to come in his direction. Needless to say, I ran like Heck to that open shop door. As soon as the door was closed the school building shook a little and then calm settled in. When the door was opened, we looked around but could see no damage.

I had witnessed my first of many tornado's and have never been so afraid in my life, nor have I been so thankful that the LORD spared our lives and gave my uncle the insight to call out my name.

6 comments:

Sherry - Family Tree Writer said...

What a cool (and Scary) story! I live just north of you in Kansas, near the KS/OK border, and have now seen 4 or 5 tornadoes, including the one that reduced an area of Haysville, KS to matchsticks and traveled just barely a mile away from my brother's home. Scary, scary.

Ms Vicky said...

Wow Sherry, glad your brother was spared from that disaster. I no longer live in Ok but memories like this are unforgetable.

Angela Y. Walton-Raji said...

What a story!! I grew up in Tornado Alley in western Arkansas, and recall many a tornado warning of funnels coming our way from eastern Oklahoma. Your story and the image of the funnel bring it all back. They are truly unforgettable. Thank God for Uncle Prof calling your name!

Renate Yarborough Sanders said...

Vicky, I will have to share this post with my students! I've just finished teaching about storms - one of which was the tornado. Your vivid description of what you heard and felt that day will really give them a chance to feel what the textbooks can't relay to them. Thanks for sharing this memory. :)

Renate

Ms Vicky said...

Amen Angela, Amen!!

Ms Vicky said...

Renate, thanks much for such a nice gesture.