January 11, 2000 was a weird weather day in Vancouver. Rain, sleet, everything was coming down. I had an appointment so I grabbed my umbrella before I left the house.

I was walking along a sea wall next to the ocean where lots of people usually walk but that day it was only me and one other person. I heard the loudest thunder I’ve ever heard and then saw a huge, bright flash. I looked up and saw the spokes of my umbrella sparking. I heard a sizzle sound. It all happened in a split second. I threw my umbrella on the ground and stood there utterly stunned. I said to the other person walking on the path, “I think I’ve been hit by lightning.” She looked at me and said, “I think you have, too.”

What on earth? I was totally rattled. Even though I didn’t know much, I knew it could be a big

deal to my body. I called a young doctor friend who calmly said, “Michelle, I think you should go to the hospital.” In hindsight, I knew he didn’t want to alarm me.

I told the clerk at the hospital that I was struck by lightning. I described what had happened. Before I’d finished, she was on her feet. She grabbed my arm and got me to a bed. About 12 medical staff gathered around me. For the next few hours, they did myriad tests. I learned later if something is going to happen to your body after you’ve been struck by lightning, it’d happen within hours.

I got discharged a few hours later. For the next few weeks, my arm that had held the umbrella was numb and tingling but otherwise I was okay. I realize now how lucky I’d been. It’s rare to be struck by lightning and be unharmed.