Springer's Journey

Sometimes a day begins like every other day.

You smile at campers, help people find
their sites, and become part of a team.

Then physics walks into your life.

Today I was leading campers in a golf cart when a thunderstorm moved in.

Then I heard it. 😳
CRACK!

Not a distant rumble.

A crack so loud and immediate that I knew lightning was right there.

Several strikes hit what appeared to be the same area beside me.

I hurried toward shelter, and when I reached the office I was shaking.

The wonderful lady at the desk simply gave me a hug.

Tonight I spent two hours thinking.

Not because I was afraid, but because I had to
decide whether proving I was a team player was worth gambling with my life.

My answer is No.

I spent years teaching chemical safety.

I told my students there are no do-overs with
some hazards.

Tonight physics reminded me there are no do-overs with lightning, either.

From now on, when thunderstorms are nearby, I will still help campers—but I will do it from Cora, my Subaru, rather than an open golf cart.

That isn’t fear. It’s respect.

The day also brought joy.

I met three delightful young people who were participating in the dirt bike event at Loretta Lynn’s.

Happy Birthday, Alex!

It was wonderful meeting you.

Your beautiful wife Kaylen, a nurse with a warm smile, and your friend Lance made sitting around a campfire the absolute right thing to do.  Thank you.

They told me I should write a book about my life.

I laughed and said, ‘I didn’t even get
started until I was your age.’

Welcome aboard Springer’s Journey, Alex, Kaylen, and Lance.

If you ever hear me shout ARE YOU SERIOUS??!!, you’ll know you’ve arrived in exactly
the right place.

Polished with help from ChatGPT (Professor Headquarters), Ferrari, Mayday Murphy,
Stick, Tess, Morris of the Black Lagoon, and in loving memory of Brian.