Helping Out

Let me start out this post by telling my amazing hubby "HAPPY 14TH ANNIVERSARY!!!" Yes, he has survived 14 years so far married to me, only the strongest and toughest man could do that! He says it's actually our 23rd anniversary b/c that's the year he started stalking...I mean, LIKING me. I love you, T!!!

Many of you may already know that on Dec. 23rd, our town and a few others, were hit by tornadoes. No, our home wasn't in the path, in fact I was driving home from Wally World just 15 min. before it hit, which was 9:45pm, but many homes were. It was devastating, homes destroyed, trees broken, businesses demolished, large pieces of metal all over the place. I have never seen this amount of damage from a tornado up close. On Christmas Eve, after running a last minute gift errand, I drove down of the streets that had reported damage and I was overwhelmed at what this amazing force of nature could do. I witnessed a family going through their home, which no longer had a roof, windows or door, trying to salvage what they could before more rain hit. I had tears in my eyes as I pulled back up to my own home, where my boys were safe and sound, waiting for Santa and ready to head to Christmas Eve service at church. It was a reality check of the highest order, especially on Christmas.

This morning, J & I spent a very short 2 hours helping individuals and families choose blankets, dishes, clothes, anything they might be in need of, at the Civic Center. I wish we could have stayed all day. I am so proud of my town, the amount of items that was still coming in this morning to the center was overwhelming to say the least. You name it...from microwaves to toys, pet supplies, dishes, clothes galore. I am thankful to know there are a lot of caring individuals in this area, whether donors, volunteers, or Red Cross staff members.

Here are a few pics...the first 2 are from the center this morning, the others are tornado damage. I hope J, T & I make the effort to step out and volunteer more often...because you never know when we or any of us could be the ones waiting in line for blankets and clothes.

There were 2 more lines of tables to the left and behind my camera...then across the building, that whole side was filled with clothes.

This huge piece of twisted metal is on the side of the loop, has been since Dec. 23rd. Just SO thankful no one on the loop was hit that night!