Saturday, April 30, 2011

Heartache





These heartwrenching pictures were taken just two miles from my home. My husband took them with his blackberry the morning after the tornado that devestated my community in Southeast Tennessee and Northwest Georgia. The site of this brought tears to my eyes and sent me to my knees in gratitude that my little family was safe.





Although, I have truly enjoyed the time with my family, friends and at BYU Womens Conference... my heart has been heavy as I think about what is going on at home. I have had a constant prayer in my heart for all those that have lost loved ones, are hurt and/or are now homeless.
It is a powerful reminder of how fragile life is. I am so thankful that tomorrow I can hold each of my boys and husband tight. I have been told that my neighborhood was in the path of this tornado and would have been hit if it had not taken a turn just about a mile away. That is so frightening to think about.



Thank you for all the emails, texts and phone calls checking in on my family. We appreciate your love and concern so much. Thankfully we are all safe and unharmed. Brad has been very busy helping with the relief efforts and I am anxious to join in helping anyway I can. Please pray for those people in the South who have lost so much.

9 comments:

Laura said...

I had no idea it was so close to you, it truly is heartbreaking. Glad your family is well. It was also fun to see you on Fresh Living. HUGS!

Melbell said...

So glad your family is alright. I also enjoyed seeing you guys on tv while you were here in Utah. Your recipes have blessed my little family so much :D

Dara said...

It is truly amazing to see how order turns to choas and destruction in a flash. We once lived in a house that narrowly escaped the ravages of a flood (onlt 8 houses away). I can remember the feelings of helplessness as I watched the waters sweep everything in their path. I am sure you will be busy with relief efforts now.
All the best

Mindy Halladay said...

I had no idea that this was so close to you guys either! I am so glad that you are all okay. I will keep those who who were not so fortunate in my prayers!

Becky said...

Our stake has been asked to travel down and help this weekend, but I think we've been assigned an area in AL. I'm grateful that we had a mild hit, but even more grateful that we have the opportunity to help others. Like you said, a very good reminder on the fragility of life! Hugs and glad your family was safe!

Melanie Anne said...

Thanks everyone for the sweet comments:) Becky--let me know if you end up in my area! xoxo

Carrie Hazar said...

I am so glad you made it home safe to your family, I know they were missing you tremendously especially during all the trials!! I can't believe how much devastation there was so close to your home! There is no doubt that someone was watching over your boys for you! We love you all so much and will keep those affected by the storms in our prayers. Let us know if there is anything we can do from afar to help with the relief efforts! Xoxo

Sandy said...

I'm a Tennessee Girl too, living in the Tri-cities. We were in the path also. Thankfully, the storm bypassed us but our neighboring county (Greene) took a huge hit. Devastation every where.

It is so rare in our "neck of the woods" to have such storms. The weather man was comparing the tornadoes to that of Oklahoma. A very humbling experience. We woke our babies up around 11:30pm and headed for our den. So scary, just sitting there, holding our children... waiting.

So glad that you guys were kept safe as well. I didn't realize that you lived in it's path as well.

Jan S said...

My heart goes out to all those who lost family and property during that terrible storm. Thanks for posting those pictures - you have to wonder if that was your home, how you would feel.

 
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