diff --git a/plugin.go b/plugin.go
index be30b71..ce1f51a 100644
--- a/plugin.go
+++ b/plugin.go
@@ -9,8 +9,10 @@ package tree
 */
 
 import (
+	"os"
 	"time"
 
+	"go.wit.com/log"
 	"go.wit.com/widget"
 )
 
@@ -46,6 +48,12 @@ func (me *TreeInfo) InitOK() {
 // before trying to do anything. todo: rethink this someday
 func (me *TreeInfo) WaitOK() {
 	for {
+		if me == nil {
+			log.Info("WaitOK lied. me == nil but returned anyway")
+			log.Info("WaitOK lied. me == nil but returned anyway")
+			log.Info("WaitOK lied. me == nil but returned anyway")
+			os.Exit(-1)
+		}
 		if me.ok {
 			return
 		}