Fear is a powerful emotion, especially for kids. I was 5 when I had my first taste of it. April 2, 1957 … if you’ve lived in Dallas for awhile that date probably rings a bell. One of the largest and most destructive tornadoes in history cut a large swath through Oak Cliff and only a block from my house.
It was a normal spring day. Mom was cooking dinner, I was listening to American Bandstand. Then the TV went off … right in the middle of “Little Darling” by the Diamonds. It was dark in the house with no electricity, but not as dark as it was outside. Mom ran through the living room, scooped me up and we went out on the porch. The sky was pea green and not a leaf was moving. It was like all the air had been sucked up. She ran to a neighbor’s house, got my brother, pulling him by the earlobe to drag him home. I could see the fear in her eyes. I wanted to cry, but was too scared.
We heard it before we saw it. Then it was there … a huge funnel with all kinds of stuff whirling around the top, sounds of breaking glass and explosions and popping noises. What lasted a few minutes seemed like an eternity.
My dad would have normally been at his service station, but was picking up some parts instead. As soon as we could we drove to the station, then saw a heap of rubble. Police and ambulances were everywhere. His employees narrowly escaped by running for cover, all except Big Willy.
That day in 1957 was my first taste of fear. Even now, my heart beats faster and my blood pressure rises each time I hear “Little Darling” on the radio.
Tagged: fear and worry, Texas weather
