My heart is in Oklahoma

Day 58:

They say "Home is where the heart is." And mine is most definitely in Oklahoma today.

 It's surreal.  Cannot believe the devastation and lives lost.  Imagining being one of those teachers trying to keep your children safe, perhaps being away from your own children.  Or a parent searching for a child and not being able to get there.  I read one article that said near the elementary school where there were fatalities, there was someone on a megaphone calling out the names of the children they found alive.  What sweet bliss to hear your child's name called, and what agony if you didn't.  Many families were separated and unsure of their family member's whereabouts. 

Doug and I lived in Moore for a year, when Kees was born. Both of our babies were born at Moore Medical Center. 

This picture was one of the toughest for me personally. Just a building, but that doorway is where we came out to put our babies into their carseats for their ride home from the hospital. Kees was born on the tenth anniversary of the May 3 1999 tornado and Miss Kora was born in January.  We brought her home in some crazy blustery snow.  (This is also where Doug's sister works, not sure what her job status will be now, please pray for them).

Another view of Moore Medical.

It's crazy to see pictures of "home" that are familiar places that have been demolished. Doug grew up in Moore, and graduated high school there, so I'm sure there are many more memories he has of various places in the area.

 Doug's sister, Shevaun, was able to pick up their three youngest kids just before the tornado hit their school.  They attended Briarwood, there were no fatalities at their school, but there were far too many at Plaza Towers Elementary school.  Their oldest daughter was at her school until late into the evening.  She was picked up by Doug's mom and taken to Doug's brother's house for the night.  Doug's sister, her husband, and the three younger ones were not allowed to leave their home. Everything was shut down in their area, no one in or out. They were checking people's IDs to make sure they were supposed to be in those neighborhoods (for looters, I'm guessing). Can you imagine trying to fall asleep in your house with no electricity or water, and knowing that the home just across the street was leveled. I haven't talked to them yet (Doug's sis and family), but I can't imagine what that must feel like.

Please pray, give, or volunteer.  Find a way to ease the suffering of others.  With technology these days, it's just a couple clicks to donate money.  Maybe you're short on funds, but you live close.  Go offer a helping hand, a shoulder to cry on, or some gently used items that could help someone else rebuild.

I love my family so very much and wish more than anything I could be with them right now.  I almost feel like I need to see them in person to know they're alright.  Thankful for quick internet and family willing to go the extra mile to keep me in the loop.  Love to all of you and many prayers as Oklahomans come together to rebuild.

Bottom line, when tragedy strikes you care far less about your house and car than you do about the people in your life.  Don't ever take them for granted, and make sure they know what REALLY matters in the whole scheme of life.