After the storm

The past two days have been a time of sadness and destruction for so many around the south especially here in Alabama.  Two nights ago devastating tornadoes hit our great state and left houses destroyed and over 200 people dead.  We spent much this past Wednesday night listening to tornado sirens blare and reading books in our "safe place."  Thankfully our area of town had very little damage and I am so grateful that we are safe and sound but many others were not so lucky.  Sadly, this included the city of Fultondale where Matt's office is located.

We got a phone call Wednesday night that a tornado actually hit Matt's office.  No one could get close enough during the night to actually confirm this because of the damage all around. Matt left very early yesterday morning and when he finally could get to his building this is what he found.

Thankfully the storms came after everyone had gone home for the evening and the office was empty.

This is the view inside from his office.

And from where the front doors used to be.

Matt spent yesterday afternoon alongside coworkers trying to salvage anything they could.  They were told to get anything of value out because looters would come to take anything that is left.  I am so disgusted and really do not understand how there are people in this world who will take from those who are already suffering and have lost so much.

Hannah and Lily are out of school this week and so I took them to Florence yesterday to stay with Mom so that Matt could work from home if he needed.  It was hard leaving Birmingham and watching as we passed the Fire and Rescue caravans racing with their lights flashing to help those in need.  Tornadoes hit several cities that we passed through on our drive to Florence and it was heart breaking to see up close homes that were destroyed right next to the road.  People just standing around looking helpless and so very sad.

Please keep in your prayers those who have lost their homes and possessions, the souls of those who were killed and also those who prey on people who are already dealing with such loss and destruction.

Good night dear friends and family.  I hope you are all safe and sound at home with your loved ones.