Lightening

I've never thought much about it but I seem to have a mild fascination with lightening. No, I am not a storm chaser but I do like to watch lightening. Let me explain.

One of my all-time favourite television series is Highlander: the Series. I particularly enjoy the Quickening scenes, after the Highlander has taken the head of another Immortal. There is always an abundance of lightening! I still watch repeats of this series over and over.

During the past three years, I have faithfully watched another series which, I am proud to say, features an all-Canadian cast! Mutant X is built around four mutants with unusual powers. Although I love them all, I have a particular fondness for Brennan, who shoots bolts of electricity, kind of like lightening.

So, after some thought, I wonder if it might have something to do with the fact that I came very close to being struck by lightening, saved only by a large picture window. It was the summer of 1983. The boys had gone to a travelling fair just down the street. I had told them to run for home as soon as they felt rain. Rain was expected later in the day but the heavy clouds threatened rain at any moment.

I was looking out the living room window when the first raindrops hit. As I saw the boys come into view, I also heard the first rumblings of thunder. Then there was a brilliant flash of lightening. Both my hands were resting on the wooden window frame and I felt the tingling sensation all the way up my arms. It lasted for several seconds. I had never thought one would feel the effect of lightening through wood.

That close call didn't seem to leave any after effects. However, now that I look back on it, since then some brands of wristwatches will only run for a few days on my arm, then stop. My hair seems to have more static electricity than ever before. Oh yes, and I do seem susceptible to electric shocks; whenever I touch anything metal. Some days seem worse than others and I get shocks even from light switches.