As I’m typing this, I have no idea when I’ll be able to publish it. Our home is running on a generator, but at least we have a home. We cooked breakfast on a gas grill yesterday morning, but at least we had food.
Our community is devastated and words fall short. We’ve lost our friends. We’ve lost entire families. Family and friends have lost their homes and everything they owned. Subdivisions now look like landfills. Cars and cars piled up into what looks like junkyards.
Listening to the scanner on Wednesday night after storms was heartbreaking. I have no idea what the faces looked like behind the voices I heard. All I know is that those first responders, the EMTs, the cops, the firefighters and rescue squads, they are heroes. They ran out of supplies, there were no more backboards, all ambulances were taken, but they were still out there doing the best they could.
I know I’m probably all over the place, but my mind is frazzled. So far, there are 33 fatalities in my county alone- most of the just a few miles from my own home.
This was typed on 4.29.2011. We are staying with my parents for the time being. Power came on around 8:30 last night (4.30.2011) at their house, but isn’t on at our home yet. Not that I care. Right now, I can’t think of a single thing to complain about.
If you are a company or PR, please know that my posting is delayed. I’m sure everyone will understand. I am not sure when I will be able to get myself together enough to start back, but hopefully within the next two weeks. There are 598 e-mails sitting in my inbox since we lost power on Wednesday. Please be patient.
>Whitney, your post brought tears to my eyes. I'm glad you are okay. I will pray for your community to heal. Big hugs.
>I am so glad to hear you are ok. don't worry about the posts or the emails, just concentrate on getting your life back together. We all love you.
Jim and I left the Tuscaloosa area about 2 weeks ago. the campground where we were hosting was not damaged. But I did see the pictures of the devastation in Tuscaloosa, and just couldn't believe my eyes!
>I'm so sorry for all that you've lost; so grateful for all that you still have!
>You and yours are in my thoughts and prayers.
>Wow – stay safe! How stressful!
>Prayers and hugs to you and yours. There are no words…
>Some of my family were in the heart of those awful tornados and they lost everything. Literally having their homes torn to pieces while they huddle in the hallway for safety. Many of the bloggers out there are coordinating drives to get some of us couponers and our goodies to those who need it most. As you know to a child that just lost everything she owns a light up toothbrush and a fruit snack can be enough to make them smile. My thoughts and prayers are with you and everyone else in the South. God Bless!