Devastation in Driver

Monday brought strong thunderstorms and rain to our area. Tom and I were out of town for the weekend, and we were returning home on Monday afternoon. The weather was just terrible trying to drive home. We were in torrential rain all day, and we could see the strong storm front in the sky while we drove.

When we arrived home there was a message from my sister Mary Ann. She was very dynamic, fast talking, and freaked out in her message...this is EXTREMELY unusual for her. She is the most reserved individual that you have ever met. She talked a mile a minute without taking a breath. All four of them, my sister, Gabe and both of their girls had just lived through a tornado. The tornado went directly over their house...freight train sound and all. Above is a picture of the devastation that it caused all around them. Their house had minor damage...some siding and some shingles...but otherwise God kept them safe. Their youngest daughter kept holding a pillow on her head from sometime afterwards, but otherwise they were fine.

Now, Mary Ann is a weather freak. My Daddy is the same way. Hurricanes are like the Super Bowl for them. They sit around and track them on big maps and weird stuff like that. This experience was quite momentous for her. She was pumped and all excited until she walked out of her house and realized what had happened. The neighborhood hit the hardest are all kids that she teaches. She did not realize the magnitude at first.

It is so sad. The little town of Driver is virtually destroyed. Buildings that have been there for 80 years are completely leveled. She said that it will never be the same. Other parts of Suffolk were damaged as well. There are many people who lost their homes and are hurting. Lots of folks need our prayers. I am so very thankful that my sister and her family were all safe. What a blessing!