Sunday, May 1, 2011

I'm in Shock




I want to start this post by letting you know I am okay and my family is safe. It will probably be no surprise to you when I say I am in shock over the tornadoes that struck the Southeast. I live in central Alabama and Wednesday morning I woke at 5:30 with the wind beating against the windows and lightening/thunder popping off every few seconds. Jonathan was already at the gym playing basketball and I had no idea a wave of tornadoes were moving through the state.

I ran into our sunroom, got the dog, and let him hop in the bed with me. The power was out and I didn't hear any sirens going off. After listening to it for 30 minutes and the weather seemd to have passed. I started getting ready for work and Jonathan returned home shortly after. Not having power I couldn't check the news and figured it was a bad thunderstorm. I left for work early and there were trees blocking the roads, debris scattered about, but other than that no houses seemed to have damage. It wasn't until I got to work and started hearing stories that I realized there was much more taking place. They told us to go home early and prepare for the storm that was coming through that evening. Our power came back on, so we watched the news and learned the other storm would reach us around dinner time.

We went to the basement, watched, and waited for the storm to pass. We talked to our families the entire time and it seemed our area was in the clear. It was after the storm that I learned it was much worse. No one could get through the phones to check on us, I couldn't call out, and then the damage reports started coming in on the news. Late that night we finally spoke with friends and other family members to let them know we were safe. It seemed other parts of the nation knew what was happening before we did, because there was no power and no way to find out unless you had a radio.

I was able to get to work the next morning. People were missing family members, friends, and neighbors. Everyone seemed so numb, it's like, they were at work because they didn't know what else to do. One of my coworkers went outside and his entire neighborhood was gone except his home and one other neighbor. I guess shock makes people do crazy things because I couldn't believe he was at work. This is just one story the other stories are so tragic I can even type them out. My parents are in North Alabama and are still without power. It almost seems the least of their concerns when entire cities have been wiped out.

ALABAMA TORNADOES AERIAL PICTURESOF A RAVAGED STATE

Please pray for the people in this area. We are strong and I know we will overcome this disaster, but I feel so horrible for those who are suffering and have nothing left. I can't imagine losing loved ones like this...

6 comments:

  1. So glad you are ok! Praying for everyone in the south!

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  2. So glad you and your family are okay. Are thoughts and prayers are with everyone!

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  3. Oh goodness, how terrible. Glad you are safe and sound x

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  4. Katie,
    I was thinking about you the other day and wondering how you were doing. I didn't realize you lived in Alabama. I am so sorry to hear your area was affected. Even though you all are okay I am sure you feel like you have lost a part of your home. Destruction is hard and its very hard when you know people who have lost loved ones. Sending prayers your way!
    <3
    Anna

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  5. Oh my goodness, I am so glad you, the husband and doggy are ok. how scary! I had been watching the news like a hawk and was just sickened about the mass destruction. I hope all your loved ones are indeed ok. xo

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  6. Praying! My heart is broken for those affected... and praying God will use this time to show His love to many! glad you and your family are safe!

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Thank you so much for your comments! Hearing from you makes my day!