The story focuses on themes that are seen throughout her work, such as examination of animal and human instincts, and how, if we pay attention and think quickly, we will know what to do in times of danger.
Also note that one of the characters is named after her daughter, Sandy. Several of Grandma's characters were named after children in her life.
The story also ends, as many of her stories do, with a lesson.
-KW
The Storm
by Vedah V. Wilson
In the state of Indiana lived a typical young farmer and his plump little wife, Lida. Bart raised some of the most beautiful corn you have ever tasted or seen, called Peaches and Cream.His land was as flat as a table top, and you could see for miles and miles in every direction.
It was in the Spring of the year. His young nephew and niece had just arrived to spend a few days. Sammy was a brilliant lad of ten. His sister Sandy, a lively, joyful, pretty little blond, was just a year older.
The day was warm and humid, not a stir in the air. Bart had been working in the field all morning. Around noon, clouds began to form in the sky. A slight breeze was felt. Then a rumbling sound was heard.
"It don't look good," he said to himself. "I must call the children."
The children were busying themselves watching the big fluffy white chickens, and playing with Snap, the huge collie, and Miff the barn cat.
Suddenly, Sammy looked up at the sky and said, '''Sandy, look at those big black clouds! We'd better get inside."
Just then, Bart appeared at the door. He called the children, the dog, and the cat. "Sammy! Sandy! Snap! Miff! Come! You had better get inside. Looks like a storm is brewing."
The children and the animals came scampering into the barn, all seeming to sense the coming storm. Bart led them to a place of safety. A special place he had build under the barn floor for such a time as this. He opened a trap door and led them down a flight of steps to a cozy room. The dog, cat, and even the chickens followed. All acting like they knew just why.
Lida, Bart's wife, saw the oncoming storm and went to the basement of the house to wait the outcome.
Bart talked to the children about his farm. How animals and chickens seemed to have a built-in instinct, making them seek shelter. They were like humans in many ways. He talked about the many farm tasks--joys--of being a farmer. He was trying to keep their young minds off the storm.
Suddenly they heard a loud noise, as of a great explosion. Crash! Boom! Clatter! Bang! everywhere. After a while, the storm subsided and all was quiet again.
When it was calm again, Bart opened the trap door. All went outside to survey the premises, only to find the silo that had stood by the red barn was strewn all over, leveled to the ground. Many pieces had landed in the spot where the children were playing before the storm.
Thanks to Uncle Bart, who spotted the storm in the nick of time, and who led them to his secret place of safety. Quick thinking saved their lives. You could say, as the old saying goes, "A stitch in time saves nine."
