Struck by Lightning (Twice!)

Let me tell you a little secret about me: I’ve been struck by lightning… not once, but twice! Yep, you read that right. The whole reason Verve & Spark’s logo has those lightning bolts in it isn’t just because it looks cool—it’s because I’ve got a real-life connection to lightning, and it’s pretty shocking (pun absolutely intended!).

The first time it happened, I was in Missouri visiting family during the summer before 8th grade. We were at a famous covered bridge swimming in the creek below it. There wasn't even a cloud in the sky. Until there was.

Suddenly—zap!—lightning struck my thigh. It left a stretch-mark-looking scar, which I guess you could say was my first "tattoo." Now, most people would think one lightning strike would be enough for a lifetime, right? Not for me! Two months later, back home in Texas, I was standing in my driveway watching a storm (probably not my best idea in hindsight), and bam! Lightning hit the concrete and shot up into my foot.

What are the odds? Well, if you’re me, apparently lightning finds you pretty irresistible.

Since then, I’ve been able to feel storms, especially electrical ones. It’s like I’ve got an extra charge running through me, and believe it or not, I’ve set off electrical equipment more than once. I remember being on bed rest, hooked up to monitors to keep track of my babies’ heartbeats, when I sent the nurses into a panic. I had picked up my phone in one hand and the charger in the other. The next thing I knew, the monitors were going crazy! The nurses thought the babies’ heart rates had dropped, but nope—it was just me, completing the charge. Superhuman powers? Maybe. A hazard to electrical equipment? Definitely.

Fun fact: lightning is more likely to hit me than the person standing next to me, even if they’re taller. My kids even have a higher level of electricity in their bodies because they come from me! And my husband? Well, his electricity has also spiked from being around me. (Sorry, babe.)

Now, before you think I’m some kind of lightning magnet (okay, maybe I am), here’s a cool story. The Guinness World Record for the most lightning strikes survived belongs to a guy named Roy Sullivan. He was struck seven times in his life! Seven! So, I guess two isn’t so bad in comparison. But I’m hoping I don’t get any closer to Roy’s record. I’m good where I am, thanks!

So, that’s the spark behind Verve & Spark’s lightning bolt logo. It represents not only the electric energy I literally carry, but also the idea that life can throw some wild storms your way. But even in the storms, there’s power and light. It’s all about channeling that energy into something positive, just like I’ve done with my life and my business. Here’s hoping the only lightning I experience from here on out stays safely in the logo!

What about you - any crazy stories like this one? Share it with me!