If you are the praying/good thoughts/positive energy kind of person, please send them my way. My community was devastated by tornadoes Saturday night. One was an F2, the other was an F4 (which is equivalent to an category 5 hurricane). Five people were killed, two local communities were devastated, and it is just so heartbreaking. A local high school was destroyed, which postponed graduation that was supposed to happen Sunday afternoon. The valedictorian's father was killed by the tornado. Another woman was running from her car to the police station to take cover with her long-time boyfriend and 4-year old son. Their house didn't have a basement, and they were to go to the police station for cover. The tornado hit as they were running and literally, she was sucked away. The boyfriend and son survived, but she did not. Half of the police station was demolished.
These are small farming communities that have already been devastated by the economy, especially given our proximity (and reliance on) the auto industry in Detroit. Add $100 million of damage and loss of life, and it's a horrible situation.
About 10 miles from my house (click on the pics to see the whole thing)
What used to be the police station - note the police car upside down in the tree
Devastation
Tornado path through a field - note the giant tower for perspective on the storm's size
What was the high school where graduation was supposed to be on Sunday
Oh my goodness.....how horrible!!!!! Lord, I just lift this community up to you Father. Please comfort them, guide them, and give them peace. God, the damage was so horrible. Please restore these communities. Lord make them strong again! Bless them!!!! Thank you God!!! We praise you for it!!!! Amen!
ReplyDeleteOh Amy. My heart goes out to your community. These photos broke my heart and I can only imagine how it must feel to be "in" this.
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness, I am definitely praying for your community. I'm so relieved you and your family are unscathed!
ReplyDeleteOh Amy. I'm so glad you and your family are okay. Sending you and your community many prayers. xoxo
ReplyDeleteOh, this is just awful! I'm so thankful that you and your loved ones are okay, but am so sad for those that lost members of their family. I can't even imagine what your community is going through. Sending prayers your way.
ReplyDeleteOMG! Sending prayers...
ReplyDeleteHorrible. Totally sending the good vibes.
ReplyDeleteMy prayers are with everyone. Thank goodness you and your family are ok.
ReplyDeleteOMG Amy. I am in Cleveland this week and just saw these pictures on the news. It was so sad, but I did't realize that you were near. I am glad that you are ok and I hope you and your family weren't hit hard.
ReplyDeleteI pass by this area every time I travel and last month I noticed cars parked under the overpasses and sirens blaring. I kept thinking how devestating a tornado would be for the area. So flat and so open. It is a shame.
OMG I have been watching this on the news. You really have been hit hard. My prayers are with everyone in the community. My husband grew up in this area and still has many friends living there. Hope you and your family are well.
ReplyDeleteI cannot believe those pictures and my heart cries out for those who lost family and everything. Prayers going your way....thank god you are all safe
ReplyDeleteWhat can one say...... Thank goodness you are OK......it is nature at its most powerful......
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