Hello friends! This isn’t a post I ever thought I’d need to write. Even though I’ve lived in Texas for almost 9 years, I honestly never thought we’d experience the reality of being hit by a tornado.
And then… Friday the 22nd of May happened.
I was in Dallas, on a bit of a work/staycation – basically a change of scenery and a chance to connect with some clients, when I got the texts and calls late Friday evening.
It was my husband, frantically trying to get a hold of me to let me know what was going on. It was pitch black out, there was no power, there was water pouring into the craft room, and my in-laws had it even worse.
I quickly made arrangements to head home first thing in the morning, with no idea what I was walking in to.
It was far worse than I hoped, but not as bad as my worst imaginings.
Trees and giant limbs down everywhere.
Only one, challenging path to my street.
Houses completely destroyed.
Debris everywhere.
But my home was standing. Battered, bruised, a few holes in the roof, but standing.
Being hit by a tornado was overwhelming to say the least. But in the midst of all this there was so much to be grateful for.
My husband and in-laws (that live directly next door) were alive and unharmed. My furbabies were traumatized, but physically ok. And in the whole town, no one was seriously injured or killed.
It’s been 16 days since the tornado struck and I have been on one heck of an emotional roller coaster. Not to mention spending hours on the phone to get basics like internet restored. Most days have been filled with projects and chaos, while still trying to get some “day job” work done when and where I could.
It’s been an incredible and moving to see the volunteers show up to help my family, neighbors and town. Friends of friends showing up the day after the tornado hit to help us tarp the roof of our house and my in-laws house. Some spending well over 12 hours here, hauling debris, nailing what could be nailed back down, helping us secure our homes against further damage. Other’s dropping off food and water and checking in to make sure we were ok. Strangers from as far away as Amarillo drove here to help our town recover.
So many calls, texts and messages from family and friends near and far – all sending their love and asking how they could help. It’s been such an overwhelming blessing.
It’s been a little over two seeks since that phone call and the first insane, scary 48 hours, and we’ve come a long way.
The worst of the damage to our home was our roof (need a new one with a cost of $5000) and to our truck (estimated at $8000, but covered by insurance), and most of our trees were decimated and a few will need to be completely removed eventually.
There’s a lot to do, a lot that still feels overwhelming, and a lot to be grateful for.
and we are, ever so grateful, in so many ways.
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