When the Lights Can't Come Back On
Last year, I wrote a post here reflecting on the experience of the aftermath of a massive tornado outbreak across the south. In that storm, we narrowly avoided tornadoes to our north and to our south as close as a half mile, and as far as two miles. I shared with you about the experience of community, and my reflection of what happened When the Lights Came Back On.
On March 2, 2012, we experienced another set of devastating storms through our part of the world. This time, for me, the lights will not come back on. On Friday, our home was completely destroyed.
Nobody was home when the EF-2 twister tore through my neighborhood, leaving my home in a pile of rubble. To say that we are still in shock is an understatement. Our immediate needs have been addressed, and we are working to salvage what we can. We have already retrieved more than I thought imaginable.
In April 2011, we did what we could to reach out to neighbors, family and strangers to support relief efforts. In March 2012, I was the recipient of the generosity of my many families: immediate, church, and work. Yesterday, 60-some people descended on our property and helped us with the first phase of salvage. Boy Scouts, members of a high school football team, two church groups, FEMA, Red Cross, and numerous volunteers from a local college tackled the mess. We have been flooded with all kinds of support, kindness and care. Last year, I considered it a tremendous blessing to serve. This weekend, I consider it a tremendous blessing to allow others to share their gifts of service for me. I am deeply overwhelmed.
With respect to my house, the lights cannot come back on. But in the eyes and hearts of those around us these past couple of days, the light is shining. We are in good spirits, all things considered. The Lord is our rock, and our refuge, in this most certain time of trouble. I will praise Him in good times, and bad, and despite our loss, we have been given much.
As I hold my family close, I cannot help but think: I have been, and remain, very, very blessed.
For those of you interested, here is a link to the interview I gave for a local TV station.
- Comment (52)
- · Quote
- · UnfollowFollow (3)
Comments:
Jan '12
Re: When the Lights Can't Come Back On
Jim, I'm so sorry that you and your family have lost your house, but more than that, I am glad that you and your family are ok and that you have been blessed by many people ready and willing to help you.
Sep '11
Re: When the Lights Can't Come Back On
Your family are in my thoughts and prayers; God Bless.
Oct '10
Re: When the Lights Can't Come Back On
My best to you and yours. And congratulations to all on the community support. For what its worth, was in Bastrop, Texas just after the smoke cleared to help some folks after the wildfires there.
The voluntary support was beyond the pale to ensure that all found some shelter and footing to renew.
To speak to the human spirit aspect side of overcomming hardships as they present. Folks take great enthusialism and solace that the the flowers are now blooming. Life goes on.
May '10
Re: When the Lights Can't Come Back On
Sad to hear it, Jim. My prayers are with you as well.
Let us know if we can help in some other way.
Aug '10
Re: When the Lights Can't Come Back On
My prayers are with you also.
Kids sometimes have this wonderful way of experiencing a disaster as an exciting new adventure, so I pray your kids get a taste of what that's like as you rebuild.
Jan '12
Re: When the Lights Can't Come Back On
We do not live in a tornado prone area of the country. But we do have family and friends that do and pray for them and others that are vulnerable to severe weather. Today at church we prayed for those who have suffered loss during these last storms. Will pray for you, Jim, and your family. But know that we are also blessed when we hear the stories of giving and sharing and sacrifice of others to help those in need. Our best to you and your loved ones.
Jun '10
Re: When the Lights Can't Come Back On
Jim, prayers are continuing. Hope you and yours will continue to be surrounded by encouragement and love.
Jul '10
Re: When the Lights Can't Come Back On
Jim, this struck Me as if it happened to a Family Member.
I feel helpless out Here, but if there's anything I can do just say so.
May '10
Re: When the Lights Can't Come Back On
Jim, your thankful attitude during this bad time for your family is a testament to God's grace. My prayers are with you and yours.
Edited on March 5, 2012 at 12:59pmRe: When the Lights Can't Come Back On
Jim, I'm so sorry this happened. Thank God you and yours were out of the house when it hit. Is there something we can do to help? Has anything been set up perhaps for people to contribute items or resources?
Re: When the Lights Can't Come Back On
Jim, I extend my helpless condolences, as I'm sure does all of Ricochet.
Dec '10
Re: When the Lights Can't Come Back On
Jim, I add my condolences for you loss and gratitude that no one was home. Be careful as your reenter the area. A friend of my sister's experienced severe lung disease just months after the the loss of his Birmingham home and subsequent clean-up.
Sending prayers your way and following this article for word of anything we can do to help.
Mar '11
Re: When the Lights Can't Come Back On
Jim, you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Be well.
Re: When the Lights Can't Come Back On
Jim: All our hopes and best wishes go out to you and your family. Thank God you are all safe and together. Please let us here know if we can help in any way.
Aug '10
Re: When the Lights Can't Come Back On
Words are inadequate. Our prayers and best wishes are with you. I immensely admire your attitude about the entire ordeal.
Mar '11
Re: When the Lights Can't Come Back On
Thank God your family is okay; you are all in my prayers. If there is anything we can do, please let us know. Let also say that I am so encouraged by your words.
Thank you for your faith.
Mar '11
Re: When the Lights Can't Come Back On
May you and yours be blessed in all that you do, and may this particular disaster (somehow) work out for the best!
Nov '11
Re: When the Lights Can't Come Back On
I am grateful that you shared this trauma with us. Such things have a way of reminding us all of many important things, including how deeply we love our families and how trivial are most of the things that annoy us. May you and your family be ever stronger through this time.
May '10
Re: When the Lights Can't Come Back On
Wow, Jim.
Sep '11
Re: When the Lights Can't Come Back On
Jim--
Set aside any grief--now is a time for you and your family to be absolutely disciplined. You are about to file the biggest insurance claim of your life--and your insurance company is going to demonstrate that "you're in good hands" by having an adjuster on your doorstep today (if he or she hasn't been there already).
What you'll get from the insurance company to replace your home is purely an issue of the coverage you selected--and maintained--on your homeowner's policy. What you must be absolutely disciplined about, however, is the contents of your home. Many insurance policies provide "replacement coverage"--but in the chaos and catastrophe of a total loss, who can remember all the stuff they have?
The insurance adjuster is there to "adjust" your claim. That's insurance industry jargon for "make it as little as possible." He or she will suggest a flat amount--which will seem like a large number--and offer you a check, right then and there. If you have not done your homework--and you need to do your homework right now--you may end up accepting far less than you should.
(More...)