The Calm Before the Storm

We were oblivious to what was about to happen.

On Saturday, we pulled out the sprinkler for the first time this spring. The boys were in heaven. Henry didn't even take time out to change into his swim trunks. He just jumped right in.

 

And when his cotton shorts got too water heavy, he shed them.

 

Then on Sunday, we collected rollie pollies in the front yard before church. Henry was disappointed that I wouldn't let them ride with us in the car.

 

Later that night and the following day... 

 

 

(photos courtesy of Google Images)

 

It started in Carney, Oklahoma on Sunday evening...

 

Then, a second deadly outbreak happened the following afternoon. The 2013 Moore tornado occurred on the afternoon of Monday, May 20. The EF5 tornado, with peak winds estimated at 210 miles per hour, killed 24 people, including 10 children, and injured 377 others. The tornado was 1.3 miles wide at its peak. 

 

 

 

The tornadoes left a wake of disaster.

 

Within minutes, homes, businesses, schools, and lives were destroyed. But with the hearts of lions, resilience at its best, volunteers lined up for miles. So many came out to help that they had to turn some away. Schools and churches opened doors for those who lost their homes. Its what our heartland state does.

 

 

 

I can't begin to imagine the nightmare the Plaza Towers Elementary parents experienced that day. To be separated from your child and fear the worst. That your child is trapped and fighting for their life...and you can't get to them. You can't save them.

 

 

How were parents supposed to know that when they said goodbye that morning, their baby wasn't coming home. I've hugged my boys a little tighter every day since the storms.

 

The storms definitely put things in perspective. Things. Stuff. None of it matters much, and all of it could be gone tomorrow. For me, the tornadoes served as a powerful reminder to invest more time and resources in people, in my family, in my friends, and in those I'm called to serve.