Tornado Alley

I've lived in Oklahoma my whole life.  In the same town and for the most part in the same area of town.  We don't stray to far from the city when we do move.  I can recall some of the countless times we heard the tornado sirens go off growing up.  When I was little I cleared the take cover closet and at first I would stock it with water and food and blankets.  As time went on and I grew up I quit stocking that closet when severe weather threatened.  Sirens would go off and dad would turn the news on and then go stand on the porch to watch the clouds.  We never had to use the closet.  We took cover just in case, but we were only hit with high winds or strong rain.

When last Mondays storms hit in Moore, Ok they were expected to hit in Tulsa also.  We had hours to get ready for it and seeing the images of the massive tornado that stayed on the ground for an hour we knew we had to. I'm sure my kids will have some of the same memories that I have had growing up hearing sirens and getting ready for tornado season.  I remember them playing Monday afternoon in our take cover closet.  They would run in and out yelling a tornado, a tornado.  If we are lucky that's all they will remember and they won't actually ever be in one.  By the time the storm reached us it had dissipated into nothing more than strong rain. 

If you know me you know it is a want of mine to go storm chasing.  There is something about seeing one of natures most powerful forces that intrigues me.  In the after math I am always hit with the urge to help and the overwhelming need to cry.  After the storms cleared and programing went back to regular tv all you saw were images of the tornado's path.  For days that's what we watched.  Mostly because that's all that is on but partly because you couldn't turn away.  I spent the next week donating what I could to help and watching my facebook fill with ways to donate money, buy a tshirt, or a necklace, even a candle to help the victims, and stories coming out from the survivors.

I am very thankful that I have never had to face this type of disaster.  I am sad for those who have.  We live in a state where people help others.  We don't ask questions, we don't expect anything back, we just do because it needs to be done.  I like to think a lot of Americans are that way when faced with disaster, not just us in little ole Oklahoma.  But we're a different breed down here. It is going to take months if not years to rebuild these towns affected by Monday's tornado.  If you want to help there are plenty of ways.  You can volunteer, donate to the cause whether it's money, water, food, etc., or buy merchandise that supports relief and rebuilding efforts.  I have included some links below. 

Oklahoma Red Cross     Salvation Army    Samaritan's Purse   United Way  Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma   Central Oklahoma Humane Society   LifeChurch.TV   Oklahoma Baptist Disaster Relief