Reflections- A Year Later

[Guest FEARLESSANDTRUE]

    As a parent, I would give my life for my children as I'm sure you would do the same for yours.  Thinking about the events of a year ago has made me realize that having children has saved my life.  I have become more weather aware and will now get up in the middle of the night and transport my children to the safety of my parents' basement.

    A year ago today, my children were safe with my parents.  As I made my way to them, the tornado was leaving its path of destruction across Lawrence County. The wind and debris that swirled around me, the Chief, and our bulldog Roxy was unreal.  It was unlike anything I had ever seen.  Pieces of homes and buildings flew through the air like feathers on a windy day. We were very blessed that the two by four that struck our truck windshield did not leave a scratch.  We arrived safely at our destination and no one from my family was injured or killed.  I knew my AE family would be concerned about me and after a few days I was able to hook up a laptop to a generator and let them know I was alive and well.

    Fourteen people in my county lost their lives that day and today I pause to remember those who loved them. The landscape of my county has changed and some rebuilding is still going on. The media in the area are covering the year anniversary of the April tornados.  A commissioner from Madison County said it best, "We were our best in our darkest hour."  Yes sir, we were.

    Perhaps you have a story you'd like to share as well. . .