One Year Ago

One year ago today at 7:18 p.m. I thought we may have been spending our last seconds together as a family. As we huddled together in the basement and said scores of Hail Mary's, we listened as what sounded like a train tour through out home. The scene after the tornado rolled through was surreal. I took this picture as I looked outside for the first time and announced on facebook WE ARE ALIVE!

 Before that I tried to call my parents. But couldn't reach them. Worry set in. Daniel ran to see if his Dad (who at the time was near passing away from Lung Cancer) and Step Mom were okay. I called my friend Michelle and fell apart. I don't even remember what I said to her although I think she remembers pretty clearly. I dont think I made a ton of scence but I think I did manage to get out, "Tornado, we almost died, oh my God."
 Ten minutes latter my Mom and Dad came almost running through the rubble yelling our names. I will never forget that. Ever. Its burned into my memory of that night. Friends and Family called to check on us and I remember each one of those phone calls vividly as each one has a special place in my heart.

We can not thank those who have helped us through this past year enough. Everything right down to the little things like phone calls really do help so much! When this is over and done and we have a HOME again we will have a thank you party. I think about that a lot. Its some of what helps keep me going knowing I can in some small way give back to all of those that helped us.

In the end though...all that matters is that not one life was taken in what is now called the Mapleton Miracle. Not much more anyone of us could have asked for. For the rest of my life I will believe in divine intervention and believe we witnessed it the night of April 9, 2011.