The devistation is heart wrenching. This crew was cutting down trees and carrying them to the street where large machines came by and picked it up, hauling it away. There were so many homes that only had their foundations left, crushed cars, debris everywhere. The National Guard was there keeping looters out.
After their long day on Saturday, the local YMCA opened their doors for everybody to come take a shower and sit in the sauna or steam bath. Some corporation provided them dinner, somebody else provided breakfast, local churches were driving by handing out water and crackers, and our stake all stayed on LDS church property for the night (except a few who went to a hotel). Ron slept in the back of the van on a very thick foam pad - no setting up a tent. He came home with almost all the food I sent with him. Everybody was so kind and helpful!
The stories Ron had to tell were horrible. Can you imagaine finding your neighbor who lives 2 blocks away, in your side yard - dead! One lady was tending her neighbors baby because the mother died - the baby was in a carseat which saved her life - debris was all around her.
When a tree is uprooted it leaves a huge hole in the ground. Once you start cutting the trunk of the uprooted tree, the roots of the tree spontaneously pull the tree back upright once enough weight is lopped off the top. They kept telling the men and boys NOT to climb in the hole because when that tree springs back it will crush you. Some boy (don't know if it was a helper or someone who lived there) actually lost his life about a week ago because he was in the hole when the tree sprang back.
The people who used to live here were not home.
Don't know if the pool was full of water before the tornado - the neighbor said it was used for parties often.
This tree in the center right of the picture was in a neighbors yard and badly damaged. The neighbor wanted it down. These men were able to land it between fences and not do any further damage to the yard or house.
All these men were gone on Mother's Day. Fortunately Ron got back in time for our phone call with Juston - who is doing great by the way. He gets to stay in his area for another 6 weeks - he loves it there!
While Ron was away, he missed the BYU Young Ambassadors performance. The performers were all great dancers. I really liked that they had the live band sitting in the back of the stage so you could see them the entire time! They were all so talented! Amazing!
Madelyn and Rebecca Hanks sat on each side of me during the show!
The Atlanta Temple was Dedicated May 1, 2011
Ron and Karie had the honor of attending the noon session.
A large crowd awaits President Monson as he leaves the temple.
Can you see him?
Those of you familiar with the Atlanta Temple know that behind the temple used to be a parking lot. Now it has these beautiful gardens.
3 comments:
This is a great post, Karie. I am glad you had the foresight to send a camera with your hubby. It has been one thing after another around here lately, hasn't it? Our men are blessed to have been able to help and the temple and everything that goes with it has been wonderful!
Life sure is eventful!
I can't believe the damage there! I'm so glad Dad and the others were able to go help out.
Post a Comment