Growing up my favorite movie was "The Wizard of Oz." I absolutely loved this movie, I would wake up every morning and watch it until my sister returned home from school. It really is a great movie, and still one of my all time favorites. However, I believe this movie caused me to have a heightened fear of storms and tornadoes.
You can ask anyone that has been with me when a storm or tornado is present, I freak out. I have good reason, I believe. I grew up in the heart of tornado ally. It was not unusual for my family of four to head to the hall closet or later in the new house the cellar. It was not because my family was scared of storms, but simply because they were within five miles of our house.
One of my first real memories is heading to the hall closet on spring evening right before dinner because a tornado warning had been issued. I still remember what was on my dinner plate and the conversation that ensued. My dad told us it was time to head to the closet, and we did. Me being four, did what any four year old would do....headed to the closet with my dinner plate. After returning my dinner plate to the table, I remember my dad standing on our back porch watching for the storm (something I will never do). However, I then remember the back door slamming and my dad running to the closet saying it had just crossed I-40 and was heading our way. Luckily, and by the grace of God, it missed us. However, this is just one memory.
I have been through May 3rd and May 9th (some of the largest tornadoes in the state) and now I can add May 19th to the list. Callen and I were visiting my parents for a little visit and a trip to the zoo. Never in my wildest dreams did I ever think or imagine that Callen and I would be within miles of one
The storms Sunday night (18th) was within a mile of my parent's house. We heard the tornado go past as we were sitting in the cellar. However, once it passed and we were able to come out of cellar, we were blessed with no damage AT ALL. Praise God.
The next day, I never thought we would have to go back to the cellar. I just knew it would all be east of my parent's house. However, once again we had to head to the cellar. When the storm began we were on the road to get my grandma (a 10 minute trip), so she would be safe if the storm did come near. When we got to my grandma's house it was already in Norman. My mom and I were in a panic because we have several friends that live in that area and we heard their street on the radio (luckily, they were fine and their house was too). I told my mom I was driving home and to hold on. My grandma was scared of my 70 mile driving on a two-lane road; however, as she was hanging on she heard Moore and said, "I did not realize it is so close."
As we pulled into my parent's driveway, the tornado sirens were starting to go off. Mom and I ran in the house to grab a radio, juice for Callen and some toys and extra clothes. We made it to the cellar before it started pouring rain and the wind hit. We sat in the cellar for an hour waiting for it to either hit us or pass us. I was watching it on my IPhone (thank you Lord I had just upgraded) and several people texting us about the storm. My sister, who lives in Chicago, was texting us saying, whatever you do, do not come out of the cellar. It is going to hit you at 4:08. We weren't planning on coming out any time soon. Jason, however, was saying it is going to go west of you...you will be fine. Might just get some hail and wind. Later, Jason said, "Well, really, the tornado was coming right over you, but I just didn't want to freak you out." My response..."What would you have done if we would have come out?" His response..."I knew you wouldn't."
Later, we heard many people say they saw the rotation go right above our area, but never came down. Again, we were spared and forever grateful. My heart is broken for this great state and those that lost everything and their loved ones. I watched the reports all week, and would just sit and cry for those that lost everything or their children. And, I would start crying seeing the out pour of love our state and country has given to the areas hit. It really is an amazing, amazing thing. I have prayed none stop the past five days thanking God for his goodness and for my child, and also praying for those that need him the most right now. I can't imagine what those people are going through; however, I know God will protect them and love them. And I am so in love with the people of this state that lost everything, but still praise Him. It really is beautiful to see such love and praise for Him in our state's darkest moment. God is Good!
Sorry this post is long and somewhat rambly...just wanted to share our experience on this tragic week.
Psalm 63:3 Because your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise you.
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