I was chatting with the illustrious Susan (my crit partner) the other day about where we find inspiration for our stories. She mentioned that music gave her inspiration, and for me...it doesn't. At all. Which seems strange because most writers I know have playlists for their novels and everything.
So, I was thinking about where my inspiration comes from. Various places and blah blah blah. Then Wednesday...and...all I can do is tell you what happened.
My phone rang at 4:55, just before I left the office. I didn't answer it. So when I got in my car and saw it was my mom, I called her right back.
I could tell something was wrong by the way her voice shook. She started with, "Super Spawn is fine, I just talked to the sitter."
At that moment I nearly made the turn to head toward the Hospital. I knew something horrible had happened.
My mom was struck by lightening while standing in her kitchen. It came in through the french doors and struck her in the shoulder and shot out her fingertips.
October 5, 2009 my 19 year old brother died by being accidentally electrocuted on the job. So, naturally, all I could think was, "It happened again. I've lost my mom." My mind wouldn't process the fact that Mom was fine and on the phone with me. It only saw Robby and the horror of what we went through just a few months ago.
I freaked out.
But that wasn't all.
The neighbor had been struck by lightening at exactly the same time, in exactly the same way as my mom.
But that wasn't all.
The neighbor 2 doors down -- her 16 year old son was struck, and their house was burning down.
All of this happened at exactly the same time, to three houses that sit side by side. There were only minor injuries. Luckily the mom of the kids in the burning house had just gotten home, and was able to get them all to safety before the flames engulfed them. I hate to think how different the story could have ended.
But you know, it just made me shake my head in wonder. I don't need to look any farther than the day-to-day happenings in my life to find inspiration for even the most unbelievable stories. Because my life is full of the unbelievable.
I'm just so thankful this time we get a happy ending. As sad as it is to lose a house -- it could have been so, so much worse.
3 comments:
whoah. by the end of that post I was completely wide-eyed. Hard to believe that stuff happens. so glad your mum and everyone is okay. what a mad crazy insane story!
Thanks for sharing about your brother. *hugs*
xx
Wow. Wow. Holly, wow.
I am so glad your mom is okay -- and everyone else on the street.
Geez. I've never heard anything like that. All I can do is blink and shake my head in awe.
I am so, so sorry to hear about your brother. But thank God your mom and your neighbors are alright. *hugs*
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