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Today our family drove to visit my sister-in-law for the night to stock up on gas and a few groceries (milk and produce!), as well as do some laundry. As we headed out of town, we were astonished at what we found just a few miles from our home. Literally, homes have been flattened, churches destroyed, and there are downed trees and powerlines everywhere. Here's a picture of a church less than five miles from our home looks like today:
This is just a fraction of the destruction we saw. . . there was one neighborhood where almost all the homes were destroyed, and this was only in a tiny piece of North Alabama that we saw while driving out of town. We were able to drop off some basic staple items at a nearby Red Cross Shelter (including a huge pack of toilet paper from Amazon's last Charmin deal!), which felt like such an insignificant thing to do in the wake of all that people have lost.
As my husband and I drove, we discussed all the things that we're thankful for after witnessing this:
- First and foremost, that our family was safe and protected through the storms.
- That we had enough basic food items in our pantry and weren't worried about having to fight lines at the grocery store (I know that sounds petty, but the lines were wrapped around our local Publix.)
- That both of our cars had adequate gas and we weren't desperate to wait in a two-hour line at the pump (I don't think I'll ever let my car get below 1/4 of a tank again!)
- That we have a cash budget. Most of the ATM machines were out due to power loss, and even the one that was located at Publix (which was running on a generator) had a line of twenty people waiting to use it . . . until it ran out of cash yesterday afternoon.
- That my laundry was caught up (sooooo silly, but sooooo true!)
- That our refrigerated and frozen stockpile isn't all that big! (Again, totally trivial, but I would have been devastated if we lost hundreds of dollars of meat!) We certainly have enough (maybe ten pounds of meat and loads of shredded cheese), but not so much that I feel like it can't be replaced fairly easily.
- That I hadn't donated all last week's Nivea Body Wash deals to our church food pantry yet – I was able to deliver it to the Red Cross Shelter today 🙂
- That our family enjoyed the most fun game of charades by candlelight last night (my kiddos were a hoot!)
- That we could visit family for a short while to give us a little respite.
- That there are so many of you who's hearts are just like ours, and are so willing to give abundantly to those in need (I really am blessed to have some amazing readers!!!!!!!!!!)
Here's the hard part of all that: like I said, there were homes within five miles of my home that were completely flattened. My eight-year-old daughter watched mangled houses through her car window, and finally asked why the tornadoes did that. I had no answer for her. While we are safe and protected and incredibly fortunate, I cannot explain why those so very near us were not. It's completely unfair, totally not the way I want to understand it, and my heart just aches for those who have suffered so much. I trust in a God who I know makes all things right in the end, but today . . . well, it's just hard to watch today. Those homes could have just as easily been mine or yours. . . . I hate to even think it! I know I've said it before, but please continue to be in prayer for all who've suffered in these storms. The death toll has now risen to 238 people in our state alone. . . it's almost surreal to even consider.
I know you all are so sweet and want to know exactly where to give, so depending on how long I have power tomorrow I'm hoping to come up with a list of where to send supplies. If you're in an area that's in need, please leave a comment with exactly where to send supplies to, and I'll include it in the list. We are so blessed that there's simply no reason not to give, and I'm so thankful for the generous spirit that you all share with me each day!
He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.
Psalm 91:1-2
Although in the WAY past, I and my family lived through Hurricane Katrina and of course suffered horrendous losses. Fortunately I did not have my sons at that point, however my sister was very pregnant and unable to go to her home and claim anything…
I remember going daily through the Red Cross lines and we were getting water, dry goods,etc… and it was the basic things such as the toothpaste, toilet paper, soap, detergent, etc. We got “goodie bags” of toiletries….i cannot verbalize how important these things were for so many weeks.
God Bless.
Barbara M.
Slidell, Louisiana
Going through something like that is one of those things you never forget – I can’t even imagine not being able to come home. It really does help you to recognize also how very important those basic necessities are … and are great reminder to help when we’re able! Thanks so much for sharing Barbara. 🙂
Don’t apologize for being thankful for the the simple things in life. I think that is what we forget too often. I live in Harvest, and I am so very thankful that we were protected by the hand of God!! I heard that every donation is greatly appreciated and needed, but they really could use the money to help with the things that are not being donated. I have not heard of where to do this yet. Sorry. Please remember to praise God for the simple/little things in life and to pray for everyone affected as they try to rebuild their lives. It is an honor to be a part of such a giving community as the women that coupon not only for their families but for everyone in need. THANK YOU!!
So glad your family is safe Heather, and I also love so many people are out there couponing not only for themselves but also for others in our community. What a blessing!
In Cleveland, TN the Salvation Army (437 Inman Street West) urgently needs donations of food, cleaning supplies and water. Since many victims won’t have power for about a week, they’re looking for food that doesn’t have to be cooked or refrigerated. They also need the gallon jugs of water (not individual bottles) that people can use during clean-up efforts.
Thanks so much Billy! Do you all have a Kroger in your area? The large jugs of Deer Park water will be $.49 tomorrow when you purchase ten mega even items – I keep thinking those would be great for those in need of water 🙂
Where was the Red Cross shelter located that you donated to? We live in Madison and would love to donate also!! We are just unsure of the locations.
Hi April! We donated up at Good Shepherd UMC on Capshaw & Old Railroad Bed. If I were you I’d take stuff up to The Brook in Madison though – they’re supplying several families with goods – working on the list now but that’s where I’d start! (Thanks Mendy at Rocket City Savings for that info!)
I am in Tuscaloosa, and we are right there with you! Its horrible! We were lucky enough to live on the outskirts and be totally safe – Praise God! The death toll is WAY higher than what they are reporting… they only report them when they are identified. I expect it to be several times what is being reported when its over! Prayers for everyone suffering across the southeast!!
Tuscaloosa just looks awful – I can’t even begin to imagine. It really is shocking, and I’m so glad you and your family are okay Ashley!
So thankful that you all are okay. Looking into ways to help from Kentucky… Prayers continue to be said for survivors and those who lost their lives. Blessings you to all..
Thank you Allison – I’m working on getting a list together now, but I know the disaster is so big that places like Red Cross & Salvation Army will be the best places to help at this point.
The publix I was in yesterday in Northport, AL was also taking donations and the manager was fixing two large crates full of chicken and sides from the deli for the national guard troops who have been brought in to Tuscaloosa to help. I love Publix.
WOW – we really are so fortunate to have Publix (even without power our store was running amazingly well despite all the people and craziness!)
Soooo thankful you guys are ok!
Me too Nancy! It’s not as much fun being without power when we can’t hang out in KY at the pool 🙂
So sad to see that it is just devastating 🙁 When I went to Publix and when I went to check out they asked for a donation for the tornado victims. I was happy to donate and I was even happier that they have quickly begun gathering donations. 🙂
Thanks so much Rosy for donating – it’s such a huge loss that it really is pretty unbelievable. I am so impressed that Publix has already started offering people a way to give – it’s wonderful!