So...I am sitting here with a million thoughts in my mind - 2020 is off to a crazy start! Just when you think things can't get any crazier, let me assure you...they can! In a nut shell this is the first quarter of 2020 for me...we laid my sweet father-in-law to rest in between Christmas and New Years, I had surgery on my foot the first week of January, non-weight bearing for 3 weeks (we know how much I love to depend on others - insert lots of sarcasm), I start walking then get a crazy upper respiratory and sinus infection, I feel great for one day, and then...in all my gracefulness I step on a rock, roll my good ankle, tooth goes through my lip, tooth is chipped, knee is jacked up...ALL before March 1. Then March 3 and the tornado happens (more to come on this) and now...the coronavirus. This year is off to a record start! Now...with all of this - let me say, I know there are people much worse off than I am but - I'm really ready for a do over.
Let's get back to the tornado. Y'all... I have no words to express the utter devastation and disaster this caused. I have spent the last 11 days doing as much as I can to help tornado victims. And, I know that no matter how much I do - it will never be enough because they are rebuilding their lives. But - here is what I can tell you..there are some AMAZING people in our great city! I have completely fallen in love with families that I would have never met. I have cried with them, loved on their babies, loved on them, gotten to know them and their stories and have gained new friends in the process. As I have listened to people tell their story, I stand astounded at their faith and their unconditional love for each other. I have seen that real, true, unconditional, selfless love does exist. I have witnessed a sweet autistic child who doesn't really speak to anyone - jump up in my lap every night and give me a hug, and talk, and then I would hold his hand and walk him back to his room with his mom. The amazing stories and miracles I have witnessed are too many to tell. The immediate needs for necessities may be over, but these sweet people will need help for months to come. They will have to rebuild their homes and their lives - nothing will look the same. They will also have to navigate the craziness of the insurance (or lack of insurance) world. They still have a lot of obstacles to overcome!
Tennessee is the Volunteer State for a reason! If you have no idea what to do to help or how to volunteer, or if you think you are only one person and you can't make a difference, well - reach out, e-mail me, call me! YOU can make a difference! It has been 13 days since the tornado and I am exhausted and tired, but I have a HAPPY and full heart! I am tired in the best way possible! If you have ever wondered if there are good people left in the world...let me assure you there are! There are people you can meet, know for less than 2 weeks, and they make a lasting impact on your life and in your heart!
