Weathering January

Last January our area had a massive ice storm. It left our city without power for days/weeks. Neighbors pitched in and helped those around who needed assistance. It was both a trying time and very difficult time, but also a wonderful time.

This year we have just dealt with the worst storm system to move through our area since 1962, and broken rainfall records that were established in 1870-ish. We had 70 tornado warnings issued in a 15 hour period and had about 22 reported tornadoes...more were spawned but did not touch down. I actually saw a tornado just 100 yards from my house before I rushed everyone to our basement bathroom...it did not touch down, but it did significant damage to the houses just behind our house and some damage to the school right behind us.

The next day I spent some time talking with the kids, who I had kept home from school since 3 hours of sleep is not enough to function at school, about the experience. It was scary. Very. Scary. I still am stunned that I saw a tornado that close to my home and yet the only backlash of it for us was having to clean up the trash from the dumpster that had been lifted and carried 10 feet before dumping it into our driveway spilling our trash. Our good friends from church had a tornado go through their neighborhood, but they did have significant damage...I have yet to see if first hand but I have been told that their fairly new house will have to be rebuilt.

I am remain amazed at the community efforts and caring persons who have jumped in and helped wherever they have seen a need. I love the area in which I live and the people, for when you set aside the politics and the denominations and just get real with one another, you find hearts that care and love and give.