Why EnLightningment?

What is in a name? Or does he really know how to spell? That is what you are all thinking when you read this I am sure. Well first I am a terrible speller and really am trying to do my best but this time it is spelt correctly

On July 8th 2003 I was struck by Lightning. Hence enLIGHTNINGment. (in case it does not make sense the combination of Lightning and enlightenment.
I was working at an outdoor pool as a Manager that summer. It was a great summer thus far, crazy hot weather meant we were busy. This particular day was not change, it was hot and very busy. In the mid afternoon the wind suddenly came up. It was a very strong wind and blowing stuff all over the place. We turned on the radio to listen to the news and there was now a weather warning for our area for thunder and heavy rain. It was hard to believe because there was not a cloud in sight.

At 3 in the afternoon the wind came up again even stronger then earlier and was blowing leafs, and branches around. The clouds came rolling in, they were massive and very dark. As they rolled in people started leaving the pool. It is an older pool so with many people getting out of the water the water level dropped. The top skimmers were sucking air, and that is a terrible thing.

Then the thunder came so we had to clear the pool and kick everyone out. Wind was still blowing strong and starting to blow the lawn chairs over. The thunder was loud and the lightning was bright and getting closer and closer with each clap. My staff started collecting the equipment that was out on deck and I went to adjust the pipes in the basement to correct the flow of water to stop the pump from sucking air. But there was a problem, something was stuck in the pipe and I was unable to close it. I had to improvise.

We had large inflatable rubber plugs that I could put in the deck drains. I grabbed the plugs and a metal air pump. Put the plugs and my hands in the water, hooked the air pump up and started pumping away. I heard a loud clap of thunder and was thinking it was really close.

Then there was some down time that I do not really remember. I was told by my staff (two of them witnessed the lightning hit the metal air pump which was in my hand) that I jump up about 3 feet and light up.

I came to and everyone was standing around me checking to see if I was OK and performing their checks for first aid.

I jumped up and rain into the office. I was hit by lightning! I called my home where my mom was staying for a visit. We went to the hospital and they checked me out. I was OK but that adventure is another story in itself.

I was numb in my arms and legs for two week and terrible bruising on my chest. Aside for that I did not have any other side effects (depending on who you ask).

Now I have an Electric personality and I am sure to SPARK great conversation.