Strike Three

Three years ago a devastating tornado ripped through my hometown of Northwood North Dakota. Ninety per cent of the homes had damage and over 1000 trees were lost. Among them two 70 ft. pine trees in my parents' yard. One fell smashing their screen porch. The crew that removed the fallen trees suggested my parents take down the last tree as it posed a danger to their home. However, they just couldn't part with the 60 year old giant. Those same experts were back this morning after a lightning strike hit the remaining tree two nights ago. It was so powerful that the tree split and seemed to explode, showering the lawn with splinters and bark. The thunderclap broke windows in some of the neighbors house. My dad said "God put his finger on that tree." So did the mayor and said this time it has to come down. We are thankful that no one was hurt and glad to see this third and final tree taken down.