I just can't seem to shake this uneasy feeling. What has happened in Joplin, MO has had such an impact on me, as it has had on many of you reading this I am sure. Lucky for me, all that I know and love are safe and many that I know are volunteering their time in Joplin, using their talents to help in any way that they can.
If there is a positive out of this tragedy, which there really isn't, but if there is then I'd have to say it has been quite the wake-up call for me. We have spent years and years listening to tornado sirens, and rarely did we take them seriously. Half the time we were outside, hoping to catch a glimpse. And as much as I am ashamed to admit it, I loved being in the middle of the storm, the sirens and the possibility of a tornado. The words, "I hope a tornado comes," has come out of my mouth several times and I recall numerous storms where I sat looking outside my parents bedroom window "hoping" a tornado could be seen in the distance.
No, I didn't hope for damage or hope my house was flattened or my community torn to shreds - I was ignorant and curious and, like many people like me, I wanted to see something so incredible in person. Needless to say, I have changed my tune...
It is sad to me that it took something so close to home to finally register with me. Just last month, tornado's tore through the south, killing hundreds, and although it didn't go unnoticed, it didn't impact me like it should have. Just Saturday night we had sirens go off here in KC. What did we do? Well we sat in our bed watching the news for a few minutes. Then we rolled our eyes and debated on getting the girls out of bed. By the time the second or third sirens started we slowly got the girls up and slowly made our way to the basement. Not to mention we weren't even in the safe part of the basement where we should have been if a storm hit. What if that was Sunday night in Joplin, MO? We would have been amongst those who have lost their lives all because we didn't move fast enough or get in the safest part of our house.
Joplin is 30 miles from our hometown. It is the place we all travel to for shopping, a nice dinner out or just to get away for the day. I can't tell you how many trips I have made to and from Joplin and to think of what it looks like now is just too much to grasp.
My heart breaks for all those affected by this tragedy. I think of those who didn't survive, those who did survive but lost everything, those that still can't be found, those who are injured and fighting to survive, those who were lucky to not get hit but have family and friends that did, and all of those who are there, getting their hands dirty, and doing whatever they can to help as many people as possible.
This has been horrible for so many people and I just cant stop thinking about it. Prayers, prayers and more prayers are needed for today and many days to follow. I hope the severe weather that is predicted for today doesn't produce the tornado's it is capable of. Too much has happened already.
May the Lord be with all of the people of Joplin, MO. Donations are being accepted all over the area so if you can, send something to help the thousands of people who need it. And most importantly, keep praying.
Sincerely Yours,
I still can't wrap my head around the whole thing. You see the pictures and where things are supposed to be and they're gone.
ReplyDeleteWe too have been guilty of taking our time getting down to the basement. But after seeing pictures and hearing the audio, you can bet we'll be thankful for the warnings. It's been painful listening to the callers on the radio asking for people to call them if they find their loved ones. One mom called in asking about her 13 year old son. Prayers are definitely being said for everyone affected by this horrible storm and for everyone that has and will continue to help.
While I hate that it takes a tragedy, it gives me hope when I see so many people pulling together to help one another. There is good in the world, I just wish we could see it so evident in our everyday lives.