Tuesday, August 5, 2008

Tragic Storm Damage...updated

A picture from the front page of today's newspaper.
That's my dear SIL in the peach
(and she is a PEACH)

Last night at around 9pm my niece called me on the phone, I could barely understand what she was saying....my SIL's house was struck by a tornado. My nephew was still in the house in the basement, so it was a very nerve wracking evening. The storms came in so fast, we hardly had time to prepare, but thankfully everyone is safe and sound. My nephew got out with just a few cuts and bruises, but safe. My SIL and their family lost their house in the storm, and it will be a long journey until they can be back to "normal" - so I ask that you keep them in your prayers as they recover from the storm. And thank you Lord that everyone is safe this morning.
UPDATED - 8/5/08 - 10:41pm

I went over to see the house today to get a first-hand look at the storm damage. It is so much worse than I expected. The entire subdivision looks like a war zone. People are busy working, cleaning up debris and sawing pieces of tree down to manageable sizes. It is a very sad sight, I was pretty stunned walking down the street toward SIL's house, but when they actually took me to see the inside, I got emotional. I kept thinking how lucky they are that everyone is safe, and couldn't help but wonder if the man upstairs knew exactly where they should be. They were at church helping out for their summer festival when the storm hit. Coincidence? Hmmmm....

My SIL is really heart broken, and I can understand, it was hard to see her home destroyed, so many memories, it's hard not to let it get to you....and if you knew my SIL you know that she was spared for a reason - she is truly an angel....and my niece is a doll.

We will continue to keep them in our prayers as they try to return to somewhat of a normal life.

Notice the large trees behind the house are now just a few branches bare and broken...

This is a view of their backyard standing on the deck. I was sad to see that the huge tree that was the one they used to hang the pinata during family gatherings, and all of the kids would gather in anticipation to see how much candy they could fill in their saks, was pulled out roots and all.....

I took a picture of her living room, the wall was already boarded up when I got to see the it but that wall was wide open - the tornado tore that entire wall out. We couldn't actually stand in the room because the ceiling is cracked and looked like it could cave in at any moment.

Look how the tornado ripped this huge tree
right out of the ground.... root, curb, and all!

This is part of the front of the house boarded up - I'm told there were huge pieces of wood boards that went right through those windows and into the bedrooms.

Keep them in your prayers....

22 comments:

  1. That's so sad, but you are right, thankfully everyone is OK. They are in my thoughts, take care, Bella

    ReplyDelete
  2. I so sorry to see this news! I hope everything can begin to make sense soon.

    ReplyDelete
  3. I thanking the Lord that they are all safe but praying for them as they try to get on their feet again. Please keep up updated. ~Adrienne~

    ReplyDelete
  4. So sorry to read this, my prayers are with them. Is there anything we, Bloggers, can do to help?
    Martha

    ReplyDelete
  5. Oh I'm so sorry about your SIL's house. How terrible. I'm so glad everyone is safe.

    Brandee :-)

    ReplyDelete
  6. I'm so glad they were not hurt. I can't even imagine how scared they were. God Bless them and speed there way to recovery.

    ReplyDelete
  7. What a tragic loss! They are so blessed that they are all alive. We will keep them in our prayers.
    Hugs,
    Cathie

    ReplyDelete
  8. Sending prayers to all of you.
    julie

    ReplyDelete
  9. So sorry to hear about your sister and her ordeal. I will keep her and her family in my prayers.

    Blanca

    ReplyDelete
  10. It's so sad to see the destruction, but it's far worse to know that it happened to good people like your in-laws. I know their spirit and love will get them through this. I'm praying for their strength and patience as they try to rebuild their home. Please let us know if we can help in any way.
    Love,
    Diana

    ReplyDelete
  11. OMG Rose, how horiffic for all of you! I just stopped by to say hello and found your post. Praise God that no one was badly injured. Our God is an awsome God and we have no idea why bad things happen to good people but if he brings us to something he will also bring us through it.
    Oh, I just feel so bad for you SIL and her family and all others that have been effected by this unusual weather that we have been experiencing. Please give my reguards to you SIL's family and let them know that you blog friends are lifting them up in prayer.
    God bless you all,
    Sue

    ReplyDelete
  12. Hi Rose,
    Me again. Hope you and your family are alright. Still praying for you all.
    Hugs,
    Sue

    ReplyDelete
  13. I am so sorry to hear about that devastating storm! Thank goodness that everyone is safe. I will keep your family in my thoughts.
    P

    ReplyDelete
  14. Sorry to hear bad news- our prayers are with you. Thank you so much for your prayers and wonderfully kind comments during this difficult time. Every word made and is making a difference as we begin this new journey.

    Thank you so much for your words of comfort and blessing,
    kari & kijsa

    ReplyDelete
  15. good morning Rose, just dropping by to see how your SIL and family are doing. Nancy

    ReplyDelete
  16. Rose,
    This is such a tragic event that only those who must live thru it truely understand. Please let them know that many are thinking of them and would be happy to help in any way I can. Sending good thoughts for you and your family.

    ReplyDelete
  17. Rose, that is just terrible! Coincidence, absolutely not. God was looking out for them. So glad that everyone was safe.

    Rhoda

    ReplyDelete
  18. Rose
    So sorry to see this, gad everyone is OK...the devastation is incredible!

    ReplyDelete
  19. Oh Rose, honey I am so sad to read this. I will certainly be keeping your SIL and family in my prayers.....
    Amanda (aka Cottage Contessa)

    ReplyDelete
  20. Oh Rose, My heart goes out to your SIL and the family and I will keep you and them in my prayers. Thank goodness everyone is safe and sound. The tornadoes this year have been something else...all over the country. Did you ever find out anything about your counter top? Hugs, Lynn

    ReplyDelete
  21. I am so sorry about this. What a horrible thing. I know this is early yet but as dear as the blog community is, perhaps we could all participate in a *shower* for your family members when they are ready.
    Each of us could send something they need, or just something pretty. Just think about it...I know everyone would love to do this.

    God bles sthem and please give you sis in law a hug from me.

    Love,
    Sue

    ReplyDelete
  22. Oh, I'm so sorry to read that. Glad everyone is OK! we are still recovering from ours too.

    ReplyDelete