Monday, March 17, 2008

Toto, I Don't Think We're in Kansas Anymore

But our family is safe--thank the Lord. Our daughter who is in school in Atlanta had just made it home on Friday when the tornado hit there (Atl)--she lives in the heart of downtown not far from where the tornado touched down. We are so grateful that she was already home for Spring Break. Atlanta traffic is scary enough without the threat of bad weather! :)
On Saturday there were reports of tornadoes spotted all around our little town and we were under several different tornado warnings throughout the day. So I spent most of the day glued to our weather radio. It didn't help that 2 of my kids were in 2 other areas where the tornado warnings were being issued also and I was stuck at home with the weather radio -- one was with a friend at a track meet, and the other was at work at a golf course. They're both fine and were able to find shelter before any really bad weather came their way. Thankfully, most everyone around here only experienced some strong winds and lots of hail, and one church not far away lost a roof.

Our hearts go out today to those west and south of us where the damage appears to have been much worse.

Our little community experienced a direct hit from a tornado a few years ago--it's really amazing and frightening how much damage can occur in just a few seconds. I was in my car and actually saw it go over head and didn't realize what I was witnessing. I remember looking at a grove of pine trees and marveling at how far they are able to bend with the wind--Duh! It was only later that I realized what had happened when I saw trees down, mangled metal wrapped around an electric pole, a tractor trailer overturned, a path of woods mowed down like grass, roofs off of many buildings, and the home of one of my neighbors completely gone. Fortunately, there were no serious injuries in our area. And everyone rallied around those whose property was most affected. So many folks helped and I didn't even see my husband for close to 3 days, because within minutes after the storm cleared he (and so many others) and his truck and his chain saw went to work clearing trees and debris.

23 comments:

Pam said...

Cathy, I'm so glad that you and your family are safe.

Elaine Thomas said...

Hello Cathy, Happy to hear that you and your family are okay.

Lana Manis said...

Cathy, I'm so glad you are all ok!

Tanya Breese said...

It's scary when your kids are scattered around when bad weather happens. My dd was in another county and texted me that they were under a tornado warning and I couldn't do a thing to help. That was some crazy weather. Happy we both had happy endings!

Suzanne said...

Cathy~ what a scary thing! So glad your family was safe through it all.

Esther Sunday said...

Thank goodness, I am so glad your family is ok. Thinking of all those affected.

Lori said...

Cathy, how scary!!! eeek!!! so glad you and your family are OK and how very very nice about all the sweet helpers, your DH included!!!

meg said...

Glad to hear you all are safe & I sympathize with those fears. I went through a tornado right out of high school (in Kansas, naturally) & was luckier then most- we only lost our garage, whereas 2 people lost their lives in that one.

Mary Isabella and Kiley too! said...

Happy Saint Patrick's Day to you!!!!

Hallowed Hill Primitives said...

So glad you are all okay!

Cindy said...

So very scary...so glad you are all safe and sound.

c

Sassafras and LuLu said...

Glad all are safe! Have a happy Easter, full of blessings. I will treasure your little bunny each Easter!
Carol
sassafrasandlulu.blogspot.com

Mockingbird Hill said...

Oh Cathy! So glad you are all safe! and your daughter...just making it home..you maust have said a hundred thanks for that small miracle ;)

I have shopped the Atlanta Mart many many times and stayed at the Westin...gives me the chills to think about everyone that was in that downtown area.

thanks so much for stopping by to check in on my Mom...we are just so happy to have her home.

have a blessed Easter...and pass out a couple of extra hugs to all those that are close to you.

Cassie

BittersweetPunkin said...

Oh My...I am glad everyone is OK and away from harm's reach!

Julie said...

I'm so glad to hear that your family is safe, as well!

We're expecting bad weather here, again, today. My daughter is just down the road from us (at work) and I'm worried sick -- I can't imagine what you must go through when your daughter is in another city!

Stay safe!
Blessings,
Julie

Sweet Remembrance said...

So happy to hear you & your family are safe!
Have a blissful week...
Priscilla

Bebe said...

Hi Cathy ~

It was so good to hear that you and your family are all safe from those awful storms. I saw the damage on the news and couldn't believe I was looking at Atlanta!! You don't think of them going through the city like that!

All we had down here was very strong winds for a couple of days; could you believe not one drop of rain? The wind blew my garden cart clear across the yard!

I'm just thankful you all were safe. Those things are so scary and a lot of it happened at night where you can't see it coming.

Hugs, Bebe :)

Manuela@A Cultivated Nest said...

Cathy, I'm glad your family made it through the bad weather o.k.! It was a rough couple of days! Our sirens must have gone off about 4 times on Saturday. Hope that was it for that type of weather!

Manuela

Unknown said...

Cathy, I'm so happy that you all are okay!! How scary!!
Hugs!!

The Burp Cloth Babe said...

Hey~ Your blog is so beautiful! I know you are enjoying your nest being full this week...see you Friday! :)

Little ol* Me said...

Cathy, I'm so happy to hear that both you and your loved ones are all ok!!

How scary .. Eeek!!

Justine

Christopher A. Klingler said...

Cathy ~ SO glad your daughter was safe from harms way!

SCARY stuff!

GREAT Oz pic though! '-)

Chris

Laughing Orca Ranch said...

Oh wow! How frightening! I'm so relieved to read that you and your family are safe, though