2021: Notes 38 & 39 -- The Post-Tornado Support Network

Our town was recently hit by a tornado. This is a pretty rare occurrence in my part of Pennsylvania. The photo you see is from our backyard...downed trees and mangled fence.

We are very lucky that our house wasn't directly hit. Many of our neighbors have serious damage and are displaced from their homes.

I am very grateful to all the township leaders, the local police department, and all the community members who are supporting one another. For me and my husband, two people helped us during the first few days after the storm, when we were without power.

First, my brother-in-law welcomed us to his apartment, for as long as we needed to stay there. This was a huge relief, not just because we could stay somewhere with electricity and hot water. It was also mentally helpful to be out of our house for a bit, so that we weren't constantly looking at the devastation around us.

Second, one of my husband's hockey buddies let us store food in his refrigerator and freezer. That meant we wouldn't have to throw out a lot of spoiled food -- 3 days without power is way too long for things to stay frozen or fresh.

I'm sad about what's happened in our town, and to all the people who are suffering significant, lasting impact. That sadness is tempered by gratitude for all the support that I've received and that I know my community is receiving as well.