A Brooklyn family had a close call with disaster when an old tree nearly crushed them on their way to a family event. The shocking moment was caught on camera, showing the tree crashing down just inches behind them. This scary incident reminds us how quickly life can change—and how faith and quick thinking can make all the difference.
Ben and Shelly Kerstein were walking with Shelly’s brother when they noticed the towering tree. Ben said it looked “super dead,” but they didn’t realize just how dangerous it was. Seconds later, they heard cracking and barely escaped as the tree smashed to the ground. The inside of the tree was completely rotted, filled with nothing but dust. If they’d hesitated even a moment, this story would have ended in tragedy.
Instead of panicking, Ben started dancing right after the tree fell. He said, “God saved us,” and celebrated the miracle of survival. Some might call it reckless, but this kind of gratitude shows the power of trusting in a higher plan. While big government often fails to protect everyday folks, it’s clear this family relied on something bigger than bureaucracy.
The tree wasn’t even the city’s responsibility. It stood on private property, proving that overregulation isn’t always the answer. Homeowners must take charge of their own safety instead of waiting for officials to act. The Kersteins’ sharp eyes saved their lives—not a government inspection.
The family’s kids weren’t with them that day, but Shelly shuddered to think what could’ve happened. “Our kids could’ve been flattened,” she said. This near-miss is a wake-up call for parents to stay alert and teach their children to recognize danger. In today’s world, relying on others to keep your family safe is a gamble.
Ben’s joyful reaction highlights a key conservative value: finding light in darkness. While some might sue or demand action, this family chose thankfulness. Later that week, they got two flat tires on the highway—and kept right on dancing. True resilience means rolling with life’s punches, not blaming others.
The tree’s collapse exposes deeper issues about urban neglect, but the real lesson here is personal responsibility. Dead trees don’t belong to the government—they belong to the people who own the land. Freedom means taking ownership of problems instead of waiting for a nanny state to fix them.
In the end, this story isn’t just about luck. It’s about faith, family, and the courage to keep moving forward. As Ben put it, “We can’t control what happens, but we can control how we respond.” That’s the kind of common sense that keeps communities strong when the world feels like it’s falling apart.
