It all started on the morning of April 27th. I was awaken by some storms that were passing through. My initial thought was, Wow I thought that it was suppose to be worse than this. Little did I know what the rest of the day had in store. I work for a local school system and I was like every other parent and co-worker. I was waiting on "the call". Finally, we received notice that we had a one hour delay. When I arrived at my school, we did not have power. I began hearing my co-workers talk about how this is going to be nothing like the storms that we are suppose to have later in the afternoon. For those who do not know me, I am scared to death of severe weather. Terrifies me. So of course, panic began to set in. We received word that we were going to dismiss students around 11:00. After we were released, I went and picked up Little Miss from the sitter.
I remember doing the things that I normally do on a typical afternoon. Laundry, picking up toys, and starting to decide what to cook for dinner. It was getting about time for Harper's nap. I decided I was going to take advantage of this and cuddle up with her.
I started watching James Spann and seeing the tornadoes that were being caught on Sky Cams. About that time, my dad called me from home. He was off work already and he was making sure I was watching the weather. We watched as these tornadoes were being captured on TV. Little did we know, these Sky Cams would save their lives.
It was then around 4:30 ish (I think) my Dad and I saw the tornado rip through Tuscaloosa. I could hear a slight panic in my Dad's voice. He said, "I got to let you go, We are going to get in the storm shelter". All of my family lived in the same neighborhood. My Grandmother had a storm shelter in her back yard that everyone went to. I have never known my parents to actually go in the storm shelter. We would go, but they would stay in my Grandmother's house. But, this time they went. And I thank God everyday that they did.
I watched on TV as the tornado continued its path. Not knowing its "true" path.
I then started packing Harper's diaper bag to wait out the storm in the basement. It was then that I received the call. The call that caused sheer panic. The call that would change the way I view family.
As I answered the phone, all I could hear was screaming. Very loud screaming. I couldnt make out much, but what I did make out was, " Its gone. Everything is gone." This was my Mom's view of the devastion as she came out of the storm shelter.
I remember thinking, "This can not be happening." I began to ask her questions. I guess it was the nurse in me. I asked her to look around and make sure everybody was there and OK. She said that everyone was in the storm shelter and that they had just gotten out. I knew at this point, I had to the be the strong one. And this was the hardest thing I had to do. She said that she had to go, she needed to walk home. To see if there was a home.
My Dad had already left to start his journey through the neighborhood. I remember trying to call him several times and it would ring and go to voicemail. I felt completely helpless. I needed to get to them. They have always been there for me, now it was my time to return the favor. My mom finally called me back, and said that they made it back to what was left of their home. Which was practically nothing. I then realized, this storm, this storm that just took out my home, my neighborhood, my town, was heading right towards me.
I told my mom that I had to go, we needed to get in the basement. I grabbed Harper's bag and went downstairs. This time, with a new perspective. As I was in the basement, my mom called me back. She had a girl with her that had a broken leg. They could not reach 911, so I am guessing I was next on the list. (To add some humor in this depressing story). I told Mom what to do and what to look for until EMS arrived. But, I had to go, this storm was coming our way.
I had some special friends that helped me through the next couple of hours. One message I received was, "Its going to be OK". Then I thought, You know what, it will be OK. I remember holding Harper tight against me. Praying. All we were doing was praying. I knew first hand the destruction and devastion that this storm had. And all I could do was pray.
After we received the "All Clear" from James, we went back upstairs. I was texting family and friends to let them know that we were all ok and to let them know about my parents. I must say, I am one lucky girl. I have some pretty amazing friends. Friends that really care. Friends that are there. And I thank them for that.
I finally got to talk to my Dad. His words to me was "You have to come get us". I knew that this was one time that I could not do what my Dad needed me to do. There were mutiple tornadoes that afternoon, and we could not get in. I saw on Facebook that they were opening up a shelter at the local High School. I told Dad that somehow they needed to make it to the High School. Luckily, one of the neighbors still had his truck. He took Mom and Dad to the Shelter were a family friend took them to my Sister's house.
They were safe. Everyone was safe. I thank God daily for that. I also know that the Storm Shelter saved lives that afternoon. I truly believe that it would have been a lot worse if they didnt go.
On a brighter note, my parents just moved into a new home. A home that is closer to me. I really enjoy just jumping on the interstate and being at their house in 30 minutes! And I am pretty sure that they like having Harper closer! I am just thankful my story had a happy ending.
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