I saw it as it began to fall.
It landed about one car length ahead of me.
There was no sound until part of it broke up on the road as I hit the brakes. 
It caught me off guard. It was a sunny morning, a perfect 65 degrees, no wind.
We live on a road surrounded by woods. We are used to looking out for wildlife; deer, geese, fox, wild turkey, and the usual assortment of woodland rodents.
For some reason Friday morning, I looked up. The tree fell in a kind of slow motion, or maybe that was just my perception.
My heart was racing, hands were shaking. I was about to dial 911 when I saw a township maintenance truck parked ahead at a riverside pump station.
I put my SUV into 4 wheel drive and crossed over an area of broken branches.
I was sure I could make it. I did.
The township workers called in the fallen tree. I didn’t want to wait around for something else to fall.
I called home. Then went to the market as planned. I needed to walk off the adrenaline.
It had already been a pretty stressful week.
This got my attention.
Maybe it was time to slow down, take care of myself, be mindful of things that are out of my control.
“If a tree falls in the forest, and there is no one (but me) around to hear it, does it make a sound? ”
Yes. Yes it does.
It came through loud and clear.
vanbytheriver 
Yeah, there is a tree I like to call the leaning tower of Tree-sa bc it leans to the right and I swear one day in a good windstorm it will either fall on the Bones house (neighbors) or our house. It’s crazy.
I’d have someone from a tree service out to take a look, Sam ☺
I think so too. Otherwise … last year they were here and took out some branches but that;s it Van.
Better keep an eye on that one !
I know eh?
trees are great until they get big and old…unless it’s southern pine…that tree should’ve drowned in noah’s flood …hate them!!!
But the pine forests are beautiful. After Hurricane Hugo in 89, the highways were strewn with fallen pines…like matchsticks.
oh wow…hope you didn’t suffer major losss
No…we were house hunting in South Carolina just after.
good…hope you found something
Yes. Yes it does.
Testify !
Thank heavens it missed your car. When we were bringing our new puppy Riggsie home a number of years ago, a huge tree branch fell right in front of our car – I don’t know how my husband managed to miss it. I always wondered if that was some kind of omen, but Riggsie turned out to be a really good dog.
It’s funny, CM, I looked up to the sky and said aloud…ok, what are you trying to tell me ??? ☺ The brakes were instinct…I didn’t have time to make a choice. Interesting. ?
I’m glad your reflexes are on point. I saw a neighbour’s tree fall down two winters ago during an ice storm and the sound was immense, like a rumbling roar and I could feel the vibration of it from two houses away.
This was so quiet, until the top branches hit the road in front of me. Thanks, Laura.
I wonder about that too, Van, living in the land of big trees. How lucky that you noticed the movement. I imagine your brain registered it before you did, if you know what I mean. Your take-away from it is interesting. I do think that life, the universe, whatever, gives us messages and reminders, loud and clear. 🙂
There have been other episodes, Diana, I usually don’t have to search too hard for the message, and it’s usually about taking a pause, slowing down a bit. Thanks.
Every once in a while we get these kind of episodes that allow us to kind of reset our thinking and put things in perspective. Too bad these moments almost always scare the cap out of us.
I didn’t panic until quite a bit after, when I got out of my car. Weak knees. But I tried to process it all. It’s not my first close call, John. I’ve had a few others. Always get my attention. Thanks.
So terrifying – I’ve been in a similar situation & can relate! Thank God you’re okay, and I’m inspired by what you took away from the tree’s fall to share with us…. Xo
There’s always a lesson, it seems. Thanks, Diana. ❤️
What shocking moments, Van! I am so glad you are fine!
It was an eye opener, Erika. ❤️
I bet!!!
Thank Gawd you cleared up that. I always wondered if a tree fell in the forest if it made a sound. Now…..if a man is wrong and there’s no woman around to correct him is he still wrong?
Ha…wrong is wrong, I think. ☺
Wow, close encounter. In response to your philosophical question, read my most recent post. You will understand. 😉
Will do, Vic. ☺ Just did…most appropriate. Why not ??? Thanks.
Oh wow! I can just imagine how frightening that would be Van, so you’re ok. ❤
Diana xo
I drove by it the next day, Diana. It was only about a third of the tree. I’m keeping my distance. ☺
Stay safe my friend!
Will do, thanks. 💕
Wow so glad you were not hurt! It is weird how we just go along and then something like this happens and it wakes us up and yes we slow down realizing phew! Scary!
Phew is right, Lynn. ☺
That was close!! I felt your anxiety!
Then I guess it was worth writing about, Lynn; sometimes, I hesitate.
no please don’t hesitate, your writing is easy to read, don’t think I mean simple but I can read it and it flows and I can relate! So, that is how I feel!
❤️
🙂
I think they do fall in slow motion and only pick up momentum as they get closer to the ground. What a strange experience, but I know what you mean. Sometimes I wonder how many “near misses” I’ve had. There are those I knew about and I ‘m pretty sure others I did not.
I’ve had my share, but it’s never too late for another reminder. ❤️
The key to these messages from the universe is understanding that’s what they are. Great job in paying attention!
You definitely have something there, Debby. ❤️
Funny, but it sounds like the message was received.
Loud and clear to me, Paul. Thanks. ❤️
;o)
That’s scary stuff. You read about this happening all the time…to other people. I’m glad you are okay but it is unnerving.
On another note, I hope everything is well with your husband.
We’re still waiting on another test, George, then a referral. Not quite done with this yet for him. We’re hanging in there. Thanks for your concern. ❤️
Only the best of thoughts for you.
💕
Wow crazy! Lucky you were able to stop in time!
I don’t even remember hitting the brakes…was going on instinct, thankfully. ☺
Holy cow, what a story!
It was a week to remember, Jane, for sure. Thank you. ☺
LIke you, I wonder about such events. Are they just chance, coincidence or some kind of omen? In the case of your fallen tree, it seems like it’s stirred up meaning, even if none was intended. I know this time of year for us things start to go crazy and it’s important to take time out to breathe a bit deeper, smell the roses and just pause a bit more often xx Rowena
I’ve come to believe that there are really no accidents in life, Rowena. All things have some purpose if we are open to it. Thank you. ❤️
I’m pleased it didn’t fall on you
Thanks, Derrick. So am I. ☺
Thank God you are okay. Makes you glad to be alive, doesn’t it?
You betcha !! 💕
Very grateful you and the tree spoke to one another dear Van ….suspenseful writing my dear friend , always love , megxxx
It seems like I was indeed warned, Meg, it happened just after a curve in the road, I shouldn’t have been looking up. Thanks. ❤️
You must feel pretty lucky, eh? Good thing you had an SUV instead of a Corvette! But my question is this: what is the sound of one hand clapping and does a bear poop in the woods?
I can attest to the bear poop…☺
HA!
☺
Ha! I bet your heart was louder!
True enough. 💓💓💓
Wow. What a message! Am glad you saw this and reacted in such a good way! Also very glad you’re listening to the message!
Thank you, Torrie, I was for sure listening !
Thank goodness this tree did not fall on your car! Van! How terrifying! How caught up we get in our busy-ness. And I have to say this … “something” prompted you to look up. I just know it. I would gander that an Angel or two got your attention so you would be alerted. Listen carefully. That fallen tree will still be talking to you …. (((HUGS))) Amy ❤
I’ve felt the presence of angels before, Amy, thanks for your observation. Hugs.❤️
You are welcome, Van. I have felt the same. 🙂 ❤
❤️❤️❤️