My heart goes out to the people in our own state and across the country who have lost family members and homes to the recent tornadoes and floods. It seems we have had a lot of storms so far this year.
We have been fortunate in Northeast Arkansas this year. It seems the tornadoes have gone around us. There was some very strong wind last week leaving damage to the Corning school. Thankfully, no injuries were reported.
There are some things we will always remember -- some good and some not good. Tornadoes and ice storms we have witnessed first hand are on the list of not good.
May 27 was the 46th anniversary of the 1973 tornado that came through Jonesboro and the surrounding area. Three people were killed with over 300 injured.
Before that one, I remember well the tornado on May 16, 1968, that left a lot of damage to main street of Manila. The May 15-16, 1968, tornado outbreak affected the states of Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Ohio and Tennessee.
My husband had just gotten out of the Army and we were living in Blytheville. We did not have a telephone and we were concerned about our family in Manila and Dell. It was a long night with lots of rain. As soon as we could we left home to check on our family.
Manila was hit again with a major tornado on April 15, 1998. It took the lives of two children, several residents were injured, trees were uprooted and homes were destroyed.
I did not see the actual night-time tornado. I only saw what was left behind. I knew something bad had happened from the ambulance and police car sirens. My husband was working nights at Southworth and when he was not home on time, I knew something was wrong there. The roof had blown off the building and the factory suffered damage, but thank goodness all of the workers were okay.
Natural disasters hit everywhere in the world. I don't think there is a place we can go where we could be 100 percent safe from tornadoes, floods, earthquakes, hurricanes, wildfires, mudslides, blizzards, lightning, ice storms or even diseases. If there were such a place, I guarantee it would be so crowded there would not be room for all of us.
We are in the tornado season and even though I don't get hysterical, I do keep a close watch when warnings are being issued. When I am told to go to my safe place, I will be looking for the safest place to get. We need to pay attention and heed the warnings. It is always better to be safe than sorry.
Let's keep the people who have lost family members and homes in our prayers.
In addition to the bad storm memories I remember the good side, also. As soon as the storm passed, help and assistance arrived. People from neighboring towns came with chain saws and trucks to help with the clean-up. The Red Cross, Salvation Army and church groups were there to help make sure needs were met. Local industries allowed their employees to work in the community and still be on the payroll. Shelters were opened and meals were served.
As I said before, we have been fortunate and if we can donate or help in any way to the areas trying to rebuild we should be willing to do so. Next time, it could be us.