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.
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Comments:
Sep '11
Re: When the Lights Can't Come Back On
(Cont'd from #20)
If you have a computer to do this with, open a spreadsheet. If you lost your computers in the tornado, do it with multiple pads of paper. Either way:
(More)
Edited on March 5, 2012 at 3:01pmDec '10
Re: When the Lights Can't Come Back On
Thankful you were not home and that you are yours are ok. You are in my prayers.
Sep '11
Re: When the Lights Can't Come Back On
(Continued from #21 above)
For each space:
The hardest places to catalog will be your kitchen, your garage, and wherever you keep tools and/or guns. The second-hardest places will be laundry and linen closets--nobody, nobody keeps track of how many sheets, blankets, or towels they own. Nobody keeps track of how many hammers they own.(More)
Edited on March 5, 2012 at 3:12pmMay '10
Re: When the Lights Can't Come Back On
Jim, I'm so sorry. I know it's devastating. Please, please, let us know how we can help you and your family. I'm sending prayers your way.
Edited on March 5, 2012 at 3:04pmSep '11
Re: When the Lights Can't Come Back On
(Continued from #23, above)
For those areas, you can reconstruct what you had by thinking about what you have done in that space.
(Continued)
Edited on March 5, 2012 at 3:19pmSep '11
Re: When the Lights Can't Come Back On
(Continued from #25)
Once you have itemized everything--go through it all again, with every member of the family. Then go online and try to find a price for everything. This serves two purposes: first, you get a complete list, so you can make an informed judgment about whether the "instant claim adjustment" you've been offered is a good deal. (It won't be--that's why it was produced instantly.) Second, and just as importantly, it gets everybody's minds off of the calamity--and talking about family events and memories. That will help you start healing.
May '10
Re: When the Lights Can't Come Back On
I'm glad you and your family are OK. Sorry about the pets.
Aug '10
Re: When the Lights Can't Come Back On
The advise about the insurance is good, having been through a big flood a couple of months ago, I am one of two in the neighborhood who have resolved their insurance issues from an event on June 29.We are truly lucky to have our health, but the premiums we paid over the years were our part of the contract, there was never any question as what portion of the premium to be paid, or when the premium was to be paid.It is not a strictly bilateral relationship, try and make it one.Sorry about the house and the belongings, draw your family in tight, you are a rich man.
Re: When the Lights Can't Come Back On
Wow. That level of destruction is hard to believe. I'm so sorry you lost all these possessions and your dear pets, but rejoice with you about the safety of your family. Keep us updated on the progress, too.
Jun '10
Re: When the Lights Can't Come Back On
All, I am overwhelmed by your kindness, and very much appreciate your prayers and offers of assistance. As I wrote, our immediate needs have been taken care of. The insurance advise is very helpful. We have USAA, and they have been by our side each step so far, so I think we're good shape there. But we are being wise and practical and thorough. I will check in every now and then when I can. I wish I could respond to each one of you directly, and maybe later I will, but for now, my thanks to you all. Back to the pile!
Aug '11
Re: When the Lights Can't Come Back On
My heart goes out to you. As someone who lives in tornado alley, you prepare as much as you can during the season and pray that it doesn't hit you. I've seen tornado destruction up close and personal as my parents home was slightly damaged in 2003 from a tornado that destroyed their small town. Rely on your neighbors and family, rely on offers of help from others but be cautious of the intention of some. While difficult times such as this bring out the goodness of people (more than you can imagine), it will also bring out those who hope to gain from your tragedy. May God bless you and your family and please keep your Ricochet family informed on how we might help you through this time.
Jun '10
Re: When the Lights Can't Come Back On
Oh, one more thing to be thankful for - while we did lose one cat, the other was found 30 hours later tucked safely inside a folded up bed mattress. He is fine and ornery as ever.
Jul '10
Re: When the Lights Can't Come Back On
Jim, sorry to hear about the house, but glad to hear your family is safe. Please keep us updated when you can.
Re: When the Lights Can't Come Back On
Jim, John's insurance advice is spot on. While USAA is a good company, they aren't in business to lose money. My Mom's house was totalled a few years ago. She eventually was well taken care of, but not without a struggle. Funny how the mention of lawyers gave them religion. Our offers of help here are not perfunctory. If you need something, let us know, shoot me a private message if you like. I carry stuff by the truckload, after all. And stay safe maneuvering around the piles!
Oct '10
Re: When the Lights Can't Come Back On
Jim, as so many have said and you know better than any of us now, Thank God your family wasn't harmed. All the best as you go forward.
Aug '10
Re: When the Lights Can't Come Back On
Dear Jim and all your family -- God bless you. It is faith that sees us through these earthly tragedies, and your calm is an inspiration. We ache for you and trust that good will come out of this particular ill wind. We know it will! I am praying for the pets you mentioned, as well.
Edited on March 5, 2012 at 5:25pmRe: When the Lights Can't Come Back On
Jim, I'm so sad to hear this news. You've been part of this community for so long, and though I've never met you, I've taken the news as though a dear friend has lost his home.
But what a blessing to see your response to this loss: you're still praising God in spite of it. That's powerful hope and trust, and a huge testimony to all who witness it.
May the Lord bless you and keep you.
Re: When the Lights Can't Come Back On
Jim, I am very very grateful that you and your entire family were out of harm's way when the twister hit. My condolences on the loss of your house.
Nov '10
Re: When the Lights Can't Come Back On
One more note of condolence, Jim. I am so glad that your family is all right. It's also beautiful to see how the Ricochet community has pitched in with practical advice and offers of help.
May '10
Re: When the Lights Can't Come Back On
"We had big plans to rearrange the boys' rooms this weekend."
The best-laid plans... Hang in there, Jim, and keep your boys close.