Saturday, April 30, 2011

"Z" is for Zero, Zip, Zilch...

A to Z Challenge:
ABC's of My Life~

Picture taken from the internet of tornado in Tuscaloosa, AL

...this is what a great many families have to their name who live in the tornado raveged areas such as North Carolina, Mississippi, and Alabama; certainly not all but too many.

Last night we watched the broadcast of Dateline NBC on television and the damage and destruction was just horrifying, but do you know what made it even more frightening? While viewing those pictures, it became apparent that this was no longer a mere photo in my head. But because our own community experienced ruin and continues to move through the grieving process, the photos are more clear, more real than ‘just’ viewing the annihilation on the news.

Yesterday, a sorority sister, Fran lives in Alabama posted on Facebook. She has been posting updates and pictures of the obliteration of families she is familiar with, places she frequents and can relate details in the first person.

She shared this video (please click on word 'video' to go to the site to view) made by a friend of hers. I asked her if it was okay that I share it with all of you since a great number of us have been praying, shedding tears and remembering those who have lost so much.

After watching this, I realized I had a ‘Z’ post because my friends, many of these individuals are left with exactly that-nothingYes, they have their lives which I have no doubt they are eternally grateful but when all is said and done, their mourning has only begun.

“There are moments when you have to just walk away and cry.”

By Lou Angeli





26 comments:

Donnie said...

That is so sad and harder to watch than even the news. My prayers are with them all.

Ginny Hartzler said...

I don't know what is happening lately, record breaking tornados. The news is really too painful to watch...I like that song "Praise You In This Storm"...so glad you and your family are alright, Tracy!!!

Sarah Allen said...

Sending prayers that way. Thanks for your beautiful post.

Sarah Allen
(my creative writing blog)

Julie Flanders said...

Oh my gosh, that video is heartbreaking. I can't even begin to imagine what those people are going through.
Thank you for sharing this very touching post.

Rita said...

It is so hard to understand why this is happening in our world lately. It leaves us all with a sense of fear. Sending prayers their way.
Sad finish to your ABCs.
Rita

Dawn said...

:( Our world seems to be going crazy......

The Words Crafter said...

All these people are in my prayers daily. I cannot imagine....some of the NC families are known to some of my co-workers. Very very sad....

Jeanie said...

So heartbreaking to watch. It makes me feel so helpless. We can give money and say prayers for those who have lost so much, but we can't restore what they have lost. I hope an pray for comfort for those who are hurting.

Old Kitty said...

This is just awful. My thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected by these awful tornadoes. Just terrible!

Take care
x

TexWisGirl said...

thank you for sharing that. the image that really struck me out of all of them was the one man walking purposefully with a blue suitcase. there was resolve in his face, yet almost a sense of shock or numbness in his eyes too. i can't imagine the complete loss and devastation they have suffered.

Connie said...

It's so heartbreaking to watch that. I can't even imagine what those people are going through. Prayers continue here for those who have suffered such losses.

Nancy said...

This has been a tough year for many. They are in my thoughts.

Pitterle Postings said...

So sad, and way too close to home for us. My daughter lost her roof, but they kept the things most precious.

Catherine said...

Mother Nature can certainly show us her wrath can't she. Very heartbreaking. Sending warm thoughts.
xo Catherine

SquirrelQueen said...

Watching the news reports of the damage is enough to bring one to tears, my heart goes out to everyone affected. I grew up in GA and saw the damage of many tornados but never anything like this. My prayers are with the survivors and the families of those who died.

Kim@stuffcould.... said...

Yes my sister was very near to some of this devastation. She said, words cannot describe how awful these winds were....Thanks for the links

Author Joshua Hoyt said...

This is so sad. It is hard to imagine what they are going through.

LTM said...

moments like these are real tests, but they're also opportunities for communities to pull together and bond. It reminds me of being around here after Ivan and then Katrina. People were so great about coming out and helping each other. I've never cried so much or hugged so much, and we all grew as a community. Help's headed their way. Don't you worry. But do keep praying~ <3

Anonymous said...

We must continue praying for our fellow citizens going through these current weather related tragedies.

mamahasspoken said...

I've watched the evening news and can't believe how much destruction has happen! I hope that these storms are finish for a long time to come.

Arkansas Patti said...

It has almost been too much for the mind to comprehend. These homes were gone right down to the foundation. There is no defense for that.
I wish I were younger to help physically but can only send money and prayers.
They will come back, it is in the human nature.

Out on the prairie said...

Terrrible to hear and see more. I always want to open my house up to those who are stranded, but I am too far away to do so.

Bish Denham said...

So horrifying! I can't imagine what it must have been like. Here in Texas we are dealing with wildfires because it is so terribly dry. Everywhere, it is something. Yet the living keep on living, rebuild on carry on.

My prayers are with them all.

Unknown said...

This tragedy is gut wrenching. Nothing except a bunker in the ground could have withstood such a storm. Daily my prayers are pointed in their direction.

The earth has it's cycles. Unfortunately when there are large numbers of people populating this planet there is no way to avoid massive destruction or loss of life, when a natural disaster occurs.

It's a touchy subject, but, there are those who predicted that with global warming we will see an increase (in number and intensity) of all kinds of storms.......kt

Jules said...

Kudos my friend, zilch is right and it is weighing on me. I have said my prayers for all but I feel a need to do something.
Jules @ Trying To Get Over The Rainbow

Anonymous said...

So sorry that all this terrible weather has put so many people out of their home, ruined businesses and schools and churches. Such a terrible thing....debbie