The images are unshakeable. As many of you know, parts of Iowa and Nebraska were devastated this week as Mother Nature tore through our cities and towns with winds reaching upwards of 210 miles per hour.
Our friends and family experienced first hand, the twister carving a path through Parkersburg, Iowa and several nearby Iowa towns.
This mile-wide tornado was the strongest tornado to hit the state in 32 years. The National Weather Service, ranking it an EF5 — at the top of its scale, leveled over half the town, flattened the local High School, and killed 7 people.
But, the real story to tell, is not the one of Mother Natures doing, it is the story of how amazing we are, even under the worst of circumstance and conditions. It is the stories of human nature that give us hope. Like this one, reported By Elizebeth Green for WTAP News.
A Parkersburg resident sent this letter to a local chapter of the American Red Cross:
"I live in Parkersburg, Iowa, and my house and family were the very lucky ones who were NOT in the path of the tornado. I understand the Mid-Ohio Valley Red Cross is raising money for our town since we share the same town name. You really have no idea how much people in our town are talking about your town’s generosity, and just how much it is helping–not just financially, but emotionally.
I just want to share a few stories that you can pass along to those in your community who are donating time or money to help my friends and family affected by the storms:
Because so many of our city workers have been affected by the storms, we did not have any workers to help dig the graves for the loved ones our community lost in the tornado. Several high school boys volunteered to help with this very difficult task– describing it as "an honor". (The teens in our town have been amazing– working side by side, and just as hard, as adults)
Richard and Ethel Mulder, the married couple of 60 years who died in the tornado, have had an outpouring of flowers placed upon the debris of their home. Two chairs have been placed, side by side, among the flowers, a reminder of how so many of us would see Mr. & Mrs. Mulder sitting in their chairs, outside at night, watching the neighbors go by…visiting with those who stopped by their home…or waving to those of us who regularly walked past their home.
The fire chief, police chief, mayor & most of the town council have lost everything…but have been checking on everyone else in the midst of dealing with their own grief.
Allie Timmer, high school senior, was to play in the state golf tournament this week. Amazingly, her clubs were found untouched (her family’s home completely destroyed), transportation was lined up, and she made it to the state golf tournament– finishing in the top 15. When she arrived back in Parkersburg after the tournament, and came to eat at the shelter, so many people were hugging her and telling her what a winner she was for having the strength to carry on. She’s a sweet, sweet kid and our community was so happy to see her make it to state!
I hope sharing these stories will help your volunteers better understand who the people are in Parkersburg Iowa, and why they are truly deserving and appreciative of all the help you are providing. From the bottom of my heart, thank you. Janelle Ballhagen, Parkersburg Iowa"
I can attest first hand to the spirit and strength of Iowans in the face of adversity. My thoughts and prayers are with all who lives were touched in some way by this devastating experience. You are a testament that the power of human nature trumps that of even mother nature! God Bless you all!
For information on how to donate to the relief efforts, please follow this link.
