My wife's mother, Mrs. Mary Lou Hynick, wrote a wonderful account of her and her husband Jim's experience during and after a tornado in Missouri. Mr. and Mrs. Hynick (Dad and Mom!) live in the Ozarks in a hilly area near a large lake. An unexpected tornado did hit hard just over a week ago, and in the aftermath, Jim's fellow firefighter's arrived in a surprise visit to bring relief. This great story is used by permission from my Mother-in-Law, Mary Lou.
"Monday evening we were watching TV and the show "Scorpion" was
interrupted with weather news. We were in a tornado watch. There was
a very large storm that was as far north as Nebraska, maybe further,
and went down into Arkansas and Oklahoma. It was also very wide, with
lots of heavy wind cells and hail cells. It was traveling at +/- 45
miles an hour, and going from south west to north east. At about 9:30
the electricity went off and of course I was putting up candles and
getting the flashlights. The electricity was off for about 20 hours.
Shortly we could hear wind, loud, louder, and louder still. So loud
you couldn't believe how loud. We went to the basement and we were
there for about 40 minutes. Lighting started and lit up the sky to a
completely white sky, no dark any where. White with whiter bursts,
and this went on for about 25 minutes before we could see any dark at
all. After about 40 minutes Jim went up and went outside, it was
raining. And he told me we had quite a mess.
I looked out and there were shingles everywhere. Our basketball stand
which had 200+ lbs. of sand in the base had been lifted up and moved
over to the deck and was on it's side. Our BBQ, which is large was
covered and had been strapped to the deck rail. It was on the other
side of the deck on it's side. Everything on the deck was moved from
the south side to the north side. We have a large umbrella with a base
that has 300 lbs. of sand + water-- it was up and lying on the deck
rail. Our propane deck heater is broken, but other than little things I
don't think much is broken. Most of it is wrought iron or similar.
But a mess.
We have shutters off, but can be put back on. Our house numbers have
vanished, some small things and some very large things are just gone.
We will have to have a new roof. That seemed to take the largest
part of the damage. One roofing company said they will come out and
give an estimate and our date is March 20 at 4:00 P.M. No one else
has even called back.
Our neighbors up on the hill from us lost their siding, roof and
windows. One has tree in his bedroom; one of our friends has broken
windows. We are very blessed; we just need a roof . . . and then we
had help arrive. The deputy fire chief, Ron Anselmo, came with a crew
of six and an Engine (engines contain roof ladders). They spent three hours
covering our roof and putting shingles that were good on to help us
until we can get a new one. Our time with the department was paid back
in one afternoon. I couldn't believe my eyes. Our neighbors were
wondering what was going on: three fire department vehicles, two private
trucks and a whole lot of man power. Our Lord answers prays that
haven't been sent yet!!!
We are both fine. We were not afraid-- I wrapped up in a blanket with
Jim beside me on the steps in the basement. We watched the lightning
from my craft room window and commented about it that it never let up
at all, just white and whiter, no dark sky at all. I am amazed we
didn't get a lightning strike.
We have been told we would not ever have a tornado here as it is too
hilly. Well, that isn't so. But they don't happen often, so now we
know we may have to go to the basement if the weather isn't good.
We just thought you should know. We know you watch the weather,
Laurie is seldom listed. It was on the news about Mack's Creek, but
not Laurie. -- Love, Mom"
Thanks, Mom! We shared your story for two reasons:
1) It is so inspirational to read about the generosity of a community of people in our United States providing genuine support and help to dear friends, without their asking.
2) Mom is a great writer and she wrote a heart-warming and uplifting account in a wonderfully well-stated narrative. We enjoyed it and thank you for sharing your writing talent! --Dan and Karrie
As always, I welcome your thoughts and responses. -- Patient-Online
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