I’d be lying if I said every time spring rolls around in Texas that I didn’t greet it with a little apprehension. Along with the bluebonnets and warmer weather comes tornado season.
As someone who grew up in earthquake country, and who experienced a major earthquake as a teenager, I actually like that severe thunderstorms and tornados come with a warning. I like when we are told to take shelter that I can gather up the five most important people in my universe and hold them tight. That no matter what may happen, they are with me and I am doing what is in my power to protect them.
But I won’t always be in the same place as them and this gives me major anxiety. Usually David is at work, and Irelyn is in school. I used to have this false sense of security that they would be safer should a tornado come our way because the buildings they are in are sturdier than our house. The EF4 tornado that ripped through Oklahoma yesterday has shown me how naïve I can be.
Like with all natural disasters, all you can do is be prepared. All you can do is tell your children that you will protect them to the best of your ability – that no matter where they are, they are on your mind and you are willing whatever forces that be to protect them with all your might.
I’m not sure why the tornados in Moore, OK have had a stronger effect on me than any other tornado I’ve heard of since moving to Texas, but it is weighing heavily on me this morning. My heart literally aches.
Like with all tragedies, it is just another reminder to cherish what you have. Always be thankful for what you have been given, and never let those you love out of your sight without letting them know that you love them.
Please keep those affected by the tornado outbreaks in your thoughts and prayers, and please go hug your loved ones tight.
