Some Reflection and Moving Forward.
Sorry I have been MIA all week, as some of you know and some of you may not know, I live about 5 miles away from where that devastating tornado plowed through Joplin Missouri. We lost cable and Internet on Sunday around the time the tornado hit and it was just restored here late last night.
While we were so very fortunate to have not lost our home we did suffer some losses. Friends loss their Mother/Grandmother who was in Joplin attending a High School Graduation. Family members loss everything they own, and are just grateful to be alive. Another friend's Mother was in the path of the storm and lost her home.
Everywhere you turn there are stories of terrible losses, and there are stories of great sacrifice and heroism. We had storms upon storms for several more days following the tornado. I have never really been a person who freaked out when we had them and know I am TOTALLY FREAKED!!!!!! I will never take those storm warnings and tornado sirens lightly again.
Everywhere you turn there are stories of terrible losses, and there are stories of great sacrifice and heroism. We had storms upon storms for several more days following the tornado. I have never really been a person who freaked out when we had them and know I am TOTALLY FREAKED!!!!!! I will never take those storm warnings and tornado sirens lightly again.
We drove into Joplin right after it happened, not knowing what we would see or get caught in. We had no idea. You just never think this kind of thing will happen to you. We didn't even get to the area where the major damage was, just to the outskirts of it and what I saw made me sick. We turned around and headed home, I knew we were in the way and didn't want to be hindering any emergency vehicles. Even now trying to type this up I am shaking and tears are in my eyes.
I would be the first to tell you that I don't have alot as far as material things go, I don't live in the nicest house on my block, I don't drive the newest car out there, but you know that has never really bothered me alot and believe me, through the years people have tried to make me feel bad for it. But things like this make you really realize what matters. I am Blessed, enough said.
I want to thank everyone who e-mailed me, who called, and who expressed so much concern for me. It touched my heart and means more than you know.
I will be back soon with some thing fun for you to see, I have a couple of design commitments to take care of and then I will be back to my regular schedule of posting, I hope.
26 comments:
Our prayers are with you, your family, friends and neighbors.
Oh Vicki...sending you big hugs and good thoughts that your family and friends will have a full recovery. I've always been afraid of Mother Nature...even just a thunderstorm freaks me out, so I can't even imagine the depth of the storms you've weathered lately.
You have my heartfelt prayers. i am just sick with the personal loss so many have expierenced. We are reminded of the story of the man who complained because he had so far to walk until he saw the man with no feet. We don't have to have the biggest and best to be blessed.
Please let us know what items are needed. I would love to put together some donations of food, clothing, and what other essentials people are in need of. Not going through something this horrific and devistating makes it hard to guess what a person would need after this. I was going to get some people together to get some items going. My email is lkvenvert@sbcglobal.net
God Bless!
Thank goodness you are okay! I didn't realize you were from the area. We were watching the coverage on TV and couldn't believe what we were seeing. Another paper crafter that I follow, Rae Barthel, was also affected by this freak, destructive weather a couple weeks ago in Alabama. Your heart must be so heavy seeing all the loss and devastation around you. I pray for you and your community.
Vicki- you summed it up perfectly..material things are not what's immportant in life. Having the nicest car/house/clothes, whatever, really doesn't mean anything without health, family, friends. I, too, am blessed, and unfortunately, it usually takes someone elses pain for me to really give it alot of thought. I really pray for all the people affected, but one positive thing about tragedy is it usually brings out the best in people! I've seen communities band together and help their fellow neighbours...good luck to you and your community! Hugs!!
Vicki, I have been a lurker on your blog for a LONG time and I love your work. I was so terrified for you and your friends and family when I heard where the tornado had hit. I am so relieved to hear that you and your family are safe, and yet so sorry to hear of the losses of those you love. Please know that you have prayers coming to you from your friend in Vancouver, BC.
My thoughts are with you and yours, Vicki. So glad to hear you're alright. I have LOVED your blog ever since discovering it. I have CASE'd many cards of yours. I love your originality and creativity. Best wishes.
Didn't know you lived so close by and am SO glad to hear you are okay and my heart goes out to you re: those you know who were devastatingly affected. I was shocked when I saw the news and can only imagine how much more intense it is there. Hugest of (((hugs))) to you!!!
((((Vicki)))
I've been thinking about you and hoping all was well. I wasn't sure how close you lived to Joplin but that's just a stone's throw away. I'm happy to hear you made out okay but sad that so many lost their lives or homes. Houses can be replaced but loved ones cannot.
Storms always scared me.
Sending big hugs your way, my friend!
Hi Vicki,
I missed you at OCC and came to your blog, I'm so glad you're OK, but my heart goes out to you as it has to all who were involved in this shocking and sad situation. Please know that you are missed, and my thoughts are with you.
Sending cyber {{hugs}}
OMGoodness, I'm so glad you and your family are ok. I was wondering if any of our stamping friends were involved in these horrible tornadoes. Such a tragedy! I can't even imagine! I think of these poor people often and wish them well in their time of sorrow.
Hi Vicki,
So glad to see your post. I have been wondering how you were doing. You and all the people of Joplin have been in my prayers. I somewhat know what you are going through. We lost our home in Hurricane Andrew. The difference is that we didn't have the loss of life and injuries that you are experiencing but Andrew was the worst hurricane that the US had ever experienced when it hit. We lived in a motor home with two little children and a dog for almost a year while our home was being rebuilt. The entire area was totally devastated - not a leaf or a blade of grass left. No food stores, no gas, nothing for miles. We were without power for 4 months. The area was cordoned off by the national guard for 6 months with a curfew and we actually had to show ID during that time to get into our area. It plays with your psyche but it also pulls people together and strengths them. And you learn that material possessions mean nothing. It's all about people. In the big picture, that's the bottom line. Hang in there and know that we are here for you. If there is anything we can do to help, please let us know.
Love and hugs,
Linda
Oh Vicki I had no idea you were so close to the path of that tornado. I am so glad you and your family are ok and my heart aches for the people who lost so much. I can't even imagine the devastation. Sending thoughts and prayers your way from upstate NY...
Vicki, I am so glad that you and your family are ok but am so sorry for the losses and devastation that your friends have experienced. I cannot imagine what it must be like and my heart goes out to everyone affected by these terrible storms. You all are in my thoughts and prayers.
I knew something was up. I knew that you were in Missouri, but had no idea you were so close. I am so thankful that you and your family are safe. I have lived through a couple of tornadoes,but nothing like this. I am so sad for you and your neighbors. I pray all will be well soon. Please let me know if there is anything I can do, or organize from my area to help. Care packages, etc. Be safe out there, and know you will be added to my prayer list on Monday. Susan G from Georgia. susang@summegrove.net
Vicki - So glad that you are ok. I was let's just say very Concerned... So sorry to here of those close to you dealing with such loss. You are in my prayers
Oh Vicki my heart goes out to you and your family, I'm so sorry for the losses you've experienced and I'm grateful that you are safe. I can't even image witnessing the devastation in person after seeing it on the news it looks so overwhelming...so sad. I pray for all the people involved that they can find the strength to move forward.
You know I felt about moving to Joplin last year. I love watching tornado stuff on tv but always feared a tornado coming thru Joplin in real life and the nightmare happened! After this tragedy Joplin will always have a special place in my heart. Your words are right on! Thankfully our home was not in the path either but came alittle too close for comfort and Thank GOD we were not there to witness it. I'm dreading our return to Joplin next weekend but we have to come back! I'm praying for all those people affected by this horrible tragedy and I feel Joplin will come back stronger than ever in time. Hang in there sweetie...we'll have a good cry together when I get back next week! Miss you & i'll see you soon!!
Hugs my friend~
Vicki,
I'm so very sorry about ALL of your losses!!! I was so worried and, as you know, was so grateful to hear from you in the days following the storm to know that you were okay. You are such a warm and wonderful person and I feel blessed to call you friend. You and yours will remain in my prayers for a very long time!!!! xoxo.
Vicki, so glad to hear you and your family are okay. So sad to hear about the loss of close friends and their family members. You said it perfectly about material things, which don't really matter when family, health and shelter are what counts. Thoughts are with you and your family. Take care.
I did not realize you lived to close to Joplin. Glad you are safe. Prayers to everyone affected by this!
Oh Vicki,
I had no idea this was so close to where you live. I am so thankful that you are safe and well. It is totally heartbreaking to see the devastation a tornado can bring. I will keep you and your neighbors in my prayers. BTW, you are totally awesome and don't ever let anyone try to tell you any differently. Things are just that...things. They don't define who you are as a person.
Hugs!
Hi Vicki,
That was a very moving post and you are correct, you are blessed in so many ways,your wonderful outlook being one and your super talent another.
Hugs from Australia
Karen
Sorry for the losses of friends and the very scary reality that we are NOT in control. I'm so glad you were safe! We are thinking of everyone in Joplin and praying for them. Those that were not harmed and did not lose anything are truly blessed. It's hard to see right now, but God has a plan.
Hugs,
Lisa Martz
Control Freak Mama
Hi Vicki,
I did not know you were so close to the disaster area. I am very thankful that you are OK and feel for the ones that were. There are no words that can express the devastation. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your friends and familiy. God Bless.
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