#wildcard Wednesday- A Hard Post to Write

Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff they comfort me. Psalm 24:3 




             This past Monday I was leaving my company meeting for a production of Oklahoma! that I am doing this summer, I heard the terrible news of the extremely fatal tornado that hit Moore, Oklahoma (creepy). Even worse, the storm hit a school. Just as with any tragedy, I was upset, extra thankful for my blessings and prayerful for the victims. This tragedy was different because tornados strike a deep chord with me.
          On April 9, 1999 my neighborhood was at the heart of a tornado that hit a suburb of Cincinnati, Ohio. Not expecting the storm, I ignored the sirens and fell back asleep, only to be woken up by my parents screaming to go down to the basement. We were a bit too late. As soon was we hit the stairs our front door blew off and I heard the most sickening sound I have ever heard. It was like a train was running through my childhood home, sucking up everything in its path. I saw glass fly by my face but I just kept running (which is rare, because I never run unless its after an ice cream truck). My mom, dad, dog Macks and I got to the basement just in time, as our roof shortly blew off. I remember laying on the basement floor praying so hard that we wouldn't die and that my grandparents, who lived in an apartment not too far away, were okay too. I remember being really thankful my sister and brother were at college and law school out of town, and were safe.
         The storm ended. God spared all of us that day, but the tornado claimed 4 lives. It injured countless others and destroyed the entire second floor of our home, roof, door and pool. We were lucky compared to a lot of homes in our neighborhood that were completely leveled. The only good part of this experience was that we had to stay in a hotel for a few months and I got to eat a doughnut every morning for breakfast. It's the little things:) The "Tornado of '99", which is what we used to call it, made me scared sh**less of severe storms and tornados. Though our tornado seems tiny compared to what occurred in Oklahoma the other day, it was miserable at the time. One day your life is normal, the next, everything is completely a mess. It is devastating that so many lives were stolen on Monday. Roofs and doors can be repaired, but people can't come back. I am hoping everyone is praying or thinking for the people in Oklahoma today. Even if you don't have a lot to give, DONATE something to the Red Cross today. I did it and it took a second online, and I heard you could do it through texting as well. I won't pretend I know what these people are going through right now, cause I experienced only half of their grief. All I know is when your life suddenly becomes a hot mess, it is wonderful to have the support of others. Have a well Wednesday!