Well, I have never wanted to tell this story because I am sure it will never be believed.
But I am here to tell you that what you are about to read is absolutely true.
It is not a long story but most good stories just happen and they happen very quickly. If you are unlucky enough to witness such a story you will convince yourself that it wasn't true.
This story is true and you are the first people I have ever told it to.
I was camping by myself in the Utah Canyon Country between Zion National Park and Bryce Canyon. My fire was small and I was sitting close so I could use the flames of the fire to see the book I was reading. I had hiked 15 miles that day so it wasn't surprising that I nodded off. I am not sure how long I dozed but when I woke up there was an old Indian sitting across the fire. I jumped in surprise.
"Do not be afraid." he said. His voice was deep and powerful. His tone calmed me and I immediately felt at ease.
I wasn't scared but I couldn't find words to say. I just stared at him across the fire and the longer I looked at him the more he appeared not to be real. I shook my head and blinked but he didn't disappear. I finally found my voice but all I could think of to say was, "Who are you?"
He said, "I am your great grandfather. I am here to warn you that you are in danger."
"What danger?" I asked.
"Those clouds, over there above the mountain, are dropping a lot of rain. Very soon a wall of water will come. You must move."
Then he just faded into the night. I cannot honestly say whether he walked away or faded a way. I was watching the clouds over the mountain and remembering the warnings I had received from my father about flash floods.
I didn't even take time to put out the fire. I grabbed my things and headed for higher ground. As I took off I could hear the roar of the water and I began to run. I reached the higher ground just as the water roared by.
A spirit? My great grandfather? True? Maybe...Maybe not, but the flash flood happened and something or someone woke me up and told me to run.
Oh, I so hope it's true. What a perfect campfire tale. I hope it gets passed along.. Jae
ReplyDeleteQuite intriguing
ReplyDeletewhat an awesome story - I'm glad you shared it!!
ReplyDeleteNow that's an intense, 'spirited' story. I hope you share it with your family too!
ReplyDeleteIntriguing. Wasn't expecting the Indian to be his great grandfather. Good thing he listened!
ReplyDeleteI love spirited stories such as this. I truly believe that things happen for a reason and your great grand father was your blessing of the moment.
ReplyDeleteI for one believe because I've had similar experiences. Glad you wrote it and shared it. It's a wonderful story and needs a much bigger audience,
ReplyDeleteElizabeth
Well, that's quite a tale. Love it!
ReplyDeleteWonderful write, very intense moments I'm sure... spirited tales are fascinating.
ReplyDeleteLucky you were receptive to your great grandfather's message. He has clearly passed on some of his wisdom to you.
ReplyDeleteA great tale indeed!
ReplyDeleteAn intense tale, it was. I liked it :)!
ReplyDeleteThis is similar to stories of flash floods in the northern territory of my country. I love how we all have parallels around the world. It is a known fact you don't set up camp in creek beds up there. The ancestor part is pretty special eh.
ReplyDelete