A to Z Challenge:
ABC's of My Life...
I know KA, a fifth grader who is quick with a smile as she stops by my room frequently to bid good morning or to offer a swift, ‘Have a good evening! ‘ as she passes through. Her fourth grade sister KE is quieter with watchful eyes and a joyous spirit.
As my son and I were driving to the house for an organized clean up he said it best when he announced, ‘It’s Good Friday and we are doing something good!’ Indeed we are, Nicholas, yes we are- as I knew he struggled within his twelve year old mind to make sense of the annihilation of a family’s sense of security and safety within this vast world; a planet that doesn’t at all times offer its finest and on occasion appears vastly unfair.
Upon arrival, cleaning was already in motion as chainsaws reverberated in the air, and community members from our school as well as their church and many more whom I didn’t know their affiliation, although it didn’t matter. I gazed for my place to commence as we fell in line hauling; we carried and carted downed limbs to the roadside; strength and determination my ally by thoughts of selfishness such as thank God this wasn’t my house!
KA wanted me to view the small closet her family hovered to ride out the tornado as a different task was to remove salvageable items to a POD for storage as the family stays with a teacher, her husband and two sons who have opened their home for these displaced individuals. Carolyn is gracious, loving and reacted to a calling.
An occasional conversation with a friend, neighbor or co-worker that shared information or a story; one being that the horses from the field next door sensed the storm and went to the back of the pasture and lay down with their back to the fierce winds; God truly embedded a protection instinct within. There are three horses that are still missing. We spoke of close calls (from a previous post) and shared experiences of that memorable day last Saturday when the storms prevailed --embedded in our minds and hearts. We made and deepened connections as we spoke of God’s love and work in motion on that Good Friday.
Three hours later our work terminated as the rains poured. Driving home, once again my son spoke prolific thoughts; those drops were tears of God but joyous that we appeared together as a community to lend a hand in time of need.
“I am of the opinion that my life belongs to the whole community and as long as I live, it is my privilege to do for it whatever I can. I want to be thoroughly used up when I die, for the harder I work the more I live.”
by George Bernard Shaw
38 comments:
It's one thing to read about devastation like this and quite another to be affected/know someone who is affected. Communities are wonderful things when they come together as needed.
Best,
Bonnie
Michael J. Fox once said "I don't cry for the bad in this world, I cry because of the good" (or darn close to that) I think he sums it up pretty well.
I'm glad they survived and their house is still standing. How scary for that poor family! I hope they find the horses alive and well too.
It breaks my heart to see such devastation like this. But what a great thing you and your son are doing to help those in need.
I'm happy to hear that they made it through the storm and I do hope they find their horses. Animal instinct amazes me!
Have a wonderful and very Blessed Easter!
What a kind and true heart your son has! We've had students who were affected by the high winds that we had here last week. Thing is they lived in trailers that were moved off their foundations that they happen to rent. Now they are homeless. Our gifts are monetary instead of hard work.
I love the Good Friday connection your son made.
The reaction of a community following a tragedy is such an uplifiting thing to see.
your son's comment about God's tears made me well up too. what a great community effort to help that poor family.
Wow. This was a great post that reminds us all that good can come out of tragedy. The pictures of everyone working together and your son's comment all made me tear up a little even as I was smiling.
Disaster has a way of bringing out the best in people at times. There's a reason why there's strength in numbers, and the clean-up efforts prove that very much so.
It's a pleasure to meet you via the A-Z Challenge!
Tracy, What a wonderful post. Community spirit, people coming together for a common cause, to help a neighbor. I can only imagine how great that was. Your son's mind went to a good place...instead of fear, he remembered the comfort of God. God bless your community.
Tracy,
Your son is wise beyond his years.
It is so sad to sea the effects of those dreadful storms on a more up close and personal basis. At least in this case it brought the community together to work and help.
Our prayers are still being said for the recovery of our Southern Neighbors.
God bless you all.
Hugs,
Penny
I am purring and praying for all those affected by those awful storms. Bravo to you and all that helped during their time of need!
How sad! I'm glad they have the help of wonderful friends.
Natures fury can leave such devastation in it's wake. I know everyone was thankful they could help those worse off then them.
Amongst a sea of irrelevance that can be found on the internet, its nice and heart warming to read a blog that has a meaning and purpose. Thanks for taking the time to share.
RJRmodels
It is truly a blessing to read about all the folks that came out to help this family.
What a blessing everyone was at this time. And so wonderful your kids are learning in the midst of chaos!
A very good reminder of what life should be about....thank you.
Have a really good and blessed Easter.
oh, man. That was terrible, but it's so cool that you guys were able to help with the cleanup. You know that made all the difference to that family and how encouraging for them! Have a great Easter~ :o) <3
It wonderful to see how people pull together in time of great need. Oklahoma was hit again yesterday. I'm so thankful for God's protection. Have a great Easter.
What a truly inspiring story of everyone coming together to help!! I wish people would quit their petty bickering. And it seems it always takes something huge like this that affects them all to make them stop and pull together. Your pictures and words communicate a wonderful spirit!! And the pictures, full of such awful destruction, yet people rising above it! Hoping you have a wonderful Easter!!
Tracy, I'm sorry to hear that this has hit so close to you. Your son is very perceptive. How generous of you and the others in your community to help with the clean up. I can't imagine having to deal with damage like this. I'm sure the people you helped are very grateful to have others helping them out. I hope you and your family have a lovely Easter.
I am just heartbroken for people who lose everything in these storms, and I admire them for knowing what's most important--Families and friends. I also say a prayer of thanks to those like you and your son who help those who need it the most at such a terrible time. What unselfish kindness and what an example to so many!!
Hi Y'all,
Ginny voiced my thoughts. Why does it take a tragedy or disaster for people to pull together?
Are we all so wrapped up in ourselves we have no empathy for others?
I love your sons insight and pray he never loses it.
Have a blessed Easter.
BrownDog's Momma
What a great way to show community spirit and strength! You have a wonderful and very wise son!!! My heart goes out to all affected by these storms! Take care and have a peaceful Easter! x
I don't think Good Friday could be described any better. Giving without want in return, a movement of a heart.
Your son deserves a Dairy Queen :)
Jules @ Trying To Get Over The Rainbow
God bless you Tracy. You and your family keep up the good work in Jesus' name.
Take care and have a great Easter
~Ron
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This is a wonderful post. It shows so many emotions. Grief, sadness, loss, thankfulness, support, and the joining together of a community as one. Thank God everyone is OK.
Happy Easter...much to be thankful for.
What a beautiful heart your son has. You can be very proud and know that you guided him to be the fine fellow he is.
Those people were only unfortunate in the storms destruction. They were blessed to be alive and to have such caring people in their lives.
In time of trouble . . . He shall set me upon a rock.
- Psalms 27:5
So sad for the family and so beautiful to read about the volunteers that band together to help! Truly a Good Friday!
You took my breath away with this post; it's hard to imagine what these poeple are living. So many disaster lately in our world while I am safe in my little corner. Kind of scares me.
Rita
Tracy, I can't find a place to comment on today's Easter post. So maybe you will see me if I comment here on yesterday's post. The pictures are adorable, is that you as a child??? How did they ever get all of you to smile so cute all at once??? Blessings to you and your family on this Easter day!!
Hi Tracy Thanks for stopping by to visit. This is horrible but God Bless you and your son. Tracy where is your comment button for Easter's post? I wanted to ask which little girl you are and what adorable pictures. And the bunnies, I had to take a second look. Too cute. Love you sister, Mollye
Hi Tracy. This post touched my heart in a special way. What a wonderful way everyone came together! A beautiful heart, your son has. How proud you must be of him... You are wonderful people :) God bless you and Happy Easter.
Caring, helpful neighbors are always a blessing in times like these.
Great meeting you through the A-Z!
nutschell
www.thewritingnut.com
Very scary! It is amazing that nobody was killed. Still, the amount of damage is amazing!
This devastation is amazing! And so is your kindness in helping those affected.
I just love this! Beautiful post, beautiful child, beautiful opportunity to LIVE... via LOVE. :) OH, and , beautiful YOU. ;) I can see why the good Lord stands back and allows defistation to happen... Thanks so much for sharing!
This is a wonderful post. It shows so many emotions. Grief, sadness, loss, thankfulness, support, and the joining together of a community as one. Thank God everyone is OK. Happy Easter...much to be thankful for.
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