A tornado hit my father and mother-in-law’s home almost two weeks ago. I remember when the storm came through as I was running around getting ready for BlogHer and the girls were worried about a tornado hitting us. I told them that we were fine and to leave me be.
We were fine. A few extra sticks to pick up in the yard was all we had to do post storm. A few hours later though, I learned that a tornado had touched down at my in-laws and the damage to their property was terrible. The entire hillside behind the house that was filled with trees is now gone. It covered their porch and a few trees went through their roof. Trees were in the pond. The pond that my kids had had such a great time in a few weeks ago is black and lifeless, the fish aren’t coming up to be fed. The place where Hubby proposed to me is now dirt as the trees are being dragged out to be burned or cut into firewood.
I saw it a week after it happened and cried. I saw it after a lot of the clean up had been done, but it was still so different that I immediately felt empty. Their home was so much more than a house. The place had a magical ambiance to it that made you feel warm and fuzzy just being there.
We are thankful my in-laws were not hurt. That the house is still standing and the roof can be replaced. The downed trees will be taken care of and new trees will be planted. Nature moves on and it will once again be beautiful to us.
My mother-in-law was worried that the kids would be upset and not like coming out to her house anymore. When we brought the kids out they rushed to her and I think made her realize that they come to her house for her and Grampy, the trees and pond are just bonus. Enu even told her she liked it better this way (!) In truth there is more sunlight in the house now. The changes are not bad, just different.
I guess the moral of my meandering story is that things change. Love adjusts.
Here are some pictures of the kids helping clean up last weekend. They worked hard to picked up three wagon-loads of sticks and limbs. Thank you babies.
Photo Credits PSM 2010 and Mandy W. 2010
So very sorry to hear about the tornado hitting but very thankful Gramy and Grampy were not hurt and can repair the damage. My kids also have wonderful memories of visiting there and like yours it is how Gramy and Grampy made them feel loved and special. The pond and wagon rides were just a bonus. Send them our love and prayers!