Jim was in California on business and I went to the neighbors and we called him on their cell because I could not go in the house because of the gas leaks. The GFD finally shut off the gas and I went in to get clothes for us, and one of Jim's co-workers showed up around 4:30 and got me out. The van's windows had imploded and my car was covered with sheetrock and debris and the company car had the back window blown out. So we got the boys and went to Tom's house three counties over. And that was Friday.
Jim got home early Saturday morning and we went to the house to salvage stuff. We pulled out the computer and some other electronics and garage stuff, more clothes and baby pictures and got my car out — it still works but will need a complete check, a paint job to get rid of all the nicks, and the vinyl top has a few small cuts in it.
Sunday... We took the boys to see the house today, so they could try to understand and internalize things, they took it pretty well — what good boys I have. We got most of the clothes today and most of the boys' collectibles and toys, then the building department came and said they could see the house visibly shifting and we can no longer go in to get things, so we have our clothes and kitchen things and some other odds and ends, no furniture to speak of, most of it is broken anyway.
But we are all alive and we have each other. We have the most important things and some really powerful guardian angels... Love, Carolyn
That rather vividly puts a distinctly human face on another in a seemingly endless string of natural and man-made disasters in the news, which I generally, in my self-absorption, tune out. Stunned but grateful it wasn't worse, I asked Carolyn if I could quote her letter.
Hey Eric,
It was awful but we are going to be ok. Feel free to print the letter in total and add my name as well. I lost a lot of stuff but, I lost almost all of my Stephen King books and quite a bit of my Alice Cooper stuff ... I know it's only stuff and I can get new, but it hurts to see it all over the yard and blowing down the street. But I am still breathing and I have my children so I am very grateful. Carolyn
Article comments
1 - DJRadiohead
It was a scary night. We had tornadoes on the ground here in Huntsville, AL and the surrounding area that night. We're all thankful there were no lost lives in Alabama and the damage was minimal. A lot of people in TN were not as fortunate. I'm glad your friends are safe and hope they get back on their feet soon.
2 - Eric Olsen
thanks Josh, they seem to be rebounding already, although this is the kind of thing you probably never get over - never quite feel safe in your home again, although I don't want to put words in their mouths!