Winter Haven, Fla. – A local couple describes a “miracle” that unfolded on Sept. 2 when a bolt of lightning struck them during their usual post‑church evening stroll on the West Orange Trail. Aaron Walenga, 48, and his wife Clare, 43, say the sudden strike left Aaron disoriented and paralyzed on the ground while Clare lost consciousness.
Quick response saves lives
According to police body‑camera footage, four bystanders immediately called 911 and began CPR on Clare before emergency responders arrived about ten minutes later. Witnesses reported that Clare turned blue and stopped breathing for three to four minutes before the lifesaving measures restored her pulse.
Aaron, who was holding an umbrella and an Apple Watch at the time, recalled the shock of the moment: “My first thought was that we got hit by a car. Getting struck by lightning never even entered our minds.” He added that he woke up in severe pain, confused, and struggled to move.
Injuries and rapid healing
Medical evaluation revealed that Aaron suffered fractured eye sockets, a broken nose, damaged teeth, facial cuts and burns on his hands and wrists. Both Aaron and Clare also experienced brain bleeds and heart damage, conditions they say resolved within two days. Clare, who endured intermittent memory loss, regained full memory roughly forty‑eight hours after the incident.
“We’re just seeing miracle after miracle and too many divine things in this unfortunate circumstance to not be noted,” Clare said. “God’s not done with me yet.” The couple attributes their swift recovery to divine providence and the dedication of the rescuers.
Community rallying around the family
Since the event, the Walengas have built a strong bond with the four good Samaritans who intervened. They plan to return to the West Orange Trail in a few weeks, hoping to celebrate the same path that once threatened their lives.
Their local church, neighbors, and school community have also stepped in, offering practical help such as yard and pool maintenance while the family focuses on healing. “It’s very humbling to know that people out there really care for you, and to see the church the way it’s supposed to be – not just a building, but the people around you,” Aaron said.
Faith sustains them through the ordeal
Throughout the ordeal, the Walengas never questioned why they were targeted, instead leaning on their faith for strength. “We’ve never asked ‘Why me?’ We never got upset, we never felt hopeless. God’s been with us and there’s a purpose behind it,” Aaron explained.
Their story underscores the power of community, quick‑acting citizens, and steadfast faith in the face of a terrifying natural event.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
