Today Was NOT a Good Day

@debrakcarey (19887)
United States
May 24, 2011 12:02am CST
Went to bed late the night before and tossed and turned all night thinking of the loss of life and the hurting people in Joplin, MO. My phone was down due to the USCellular Towers that were down from the massive tornado there, so I couldn't get ahold of my daughter to talk. Woke up to news of just how horrible it really was. Reports of debris falling 70 miles away in Springfield and surrounding communities. Emails and Facebook messages asking if we were ok. Joplin is a 3 1/2 hour drive from here but my grandkids in Illinois and Iowa were worried all night. Cried over that and then again seeing a video of people huddled in a gas station that was hit, had to walk away from the computer for awhile. As it came time to get ready for work in the afternoon, the sky darkened and wind picked up. Weatherbug alerts popped up to tell me we were under a tornado warning. As I got dressed for work, the radio was saying get under cover...tornado spotted close by in Bakersfield, Mo. The town where my son works is in its path. NO PHONE. It was heart wrenching. I was to be at work at 2 pm. It was 1:45p. I should have left at 1:30p but the wind was blowing and it was raining hard. NO PHONE! Grandson very upset that we couldn't get ahold of his dad. His sister in Illinois messeging me on Facebook, very upset we can't get ahold of him too. My daughter emailing me from her phone to get under cover. I broke down and cried. We sat in the bathroom; my grandson, my son's girlfriend and her 9 year old daughter and all of us cried and said I LOVE YOU over and over. There was tornados spotted but no touch downs. Lots of branches on the road when I finally did leave for work at 2:15p. My daughter had called work for me to tell them I'd be in as soon as the all clear was sounded. I got to work in time to help put everyone back to bed after they all had been in the hallways. I calmed down some. It's good to busy helping other when you are scared. I called my son's work, and he had gone to the basement of his boss's next door to the shop, all was well with him. My daughter called work and her and her family had gone to a friend's business that is built partly underground. They were all safe. When I got home this evening my granddaughter in Illinois had a little melt down with me on Facebook (my phone still won't work) and I cried some more. She'd been scared all day for us. Friend's I hardly talk to had messaged me there asking if we were ok. I felt a strong flow of love from them to me and mine. I sent my love and my thanks to them as well. So, I'm saying to all of my friends here on myLot and those who just drop by once in awhile...I LOVE YOU. Life is not gauranteed. None of us know from day to day if we will see the next day. So I feel it is important to say that I love you all. I do not know what all of you even look like. But I spend time with you here and to me we are a community. And you have contributed to my life and I hope I have to yours. And that means something to me. To make this a discussion; do you contemplate the end of your life, the lives of those you love? When you do, do you regret not saying I LOVE YOU more often?
7 people like this
12 responses
whiteheather39
@whiteheather39 (24403)
• United States
24 May 11
First let me say it is with joy that I read no harm came to you or your family. I have been watching on TV the devastation these tornadoes caused and what is even worse more are threatened for today. Lately our country has suffered dreadful natural disasters tornadoes and flooding just within the past month or so. I have to wonder if this is not a sign or a warning from above. I do not really contemplate the end of my life beyond donating my body to science and having my will made. I often say I love you to those people I care for.
1 person likes this
whiteheather39
@whiteheather39 (24403)
• United States
24 May 11
I honestly think it may be God reminding us that mankind had better mend it's ways. We in the USA have taken God out of our schools and our government. There has has been so much talk about the end of the world this could just be a reminder that God is omnipotent and anything could happen.
dragon54u
@dragon54u (31633)
• United States
24 May 11
I was wondering the same thing last night. It seems as if there are so many natural disasters in this past year and now the U.S. has been hit with record flooding, destruction, tornadoes and storms. I was reading my Bible last night by candlelight and came upon a passage in Jude that talked about people who pretended to be good and Godly but were not and yet the people believed them. God might be ticked off or it might be weather patterns but it does make one pause and think.
debrakcarey
@debrakcarey (19887)
• United States
24 May 11
Thank you Whiteheather for your kind words. I have made up my mind today not to look at the pics. It is too hard to bear. My son in law works at the radio station and said the radar shows a front in Kansas. We've had a doozy of a spring. Is it God warning us? God always warns before judgment. And surely He's warned America and the world of the consequences of their rebellion and its going unheeded. And the earth works the way he set it up to work. But man has interfeared with the natural order of things. It is consequences of that that we are seeing I think. Personally, I wonder if all the talk about messing with the weather from the conspiracy crowd ISN'T true? I just have to trust that the Mighty God of Creation has things under control. We have to remember that he sends the rain on both the righteous and the bad. We can't think that as believers we are exempt from pain and heartache.
carmelanirel
@carmelanirel (20942)
• United States
24 May 11
I am so sorry you are are having problems sleeping Debra, and it's understandable, too many of your loved ones are too close to these storms... Funny how you mention regrets on not saying "I love you" when one contemplates the end of their life, because we had a horrible storm last night that knocked out the electric and it was bad enough, my husband thought maybe a tornado was going to form. Of course, though I felt a little uneasy, when my son started freaking out, I calmly took him in my arms and explained that this is all in G♥d's hands if we put it there and normally he doesn't like to pray, (He has gotten to that age) but last night he started praying a lot..Then he did what he hasn't done for a long time, prayer for his food. (This storm came through during supper-time) I don't know if my son still has that desire to be close to G♥d due to the storm, and I am not saying I am any better, but I don't like it when people turn to G♥d only during bad times, and then once He answers prayer and things go back to normal, that we turn our back on Him again... That makes for a very poor relationship...
1 person likes this
carmelanirel
@carmelanirel (20942)
• United States
24 May 11
Awww, you are sweet too, and I love that I found a friend who is a believer, but also understands the root culture of our Savior and knows where to look in the world as changes are happening, at a faster rate than before.. I'll also keep your family in prayer, I don't know anyone in the Joplin area, yet I can imagine how hard it is to keep the faith when you don't know what is going on..
debrakcarey
@debrakcarey (19887)
• United States
24 May 11
Thank you, there is strength in knowing someone out there cares and is bringing that to God in prayer! How can people live without that?
1 person likes this
debrakcarey
@debrakcarey (19887)
• United States
24 May 11
He is beginning to realize that he is small compared to the world. I'm sure you set an example for him to pray a prayer of joy and thanksgiving as well as a prayer of request. Keep telling him how joyful YOU are. Children learn more from example than we realize. And its so hard on them to figure out that they are not the center of the world. Thank you for your kindness to me Carmelanirel. I always look forward to your responses. God bless you and your family.
1 person likes this
Aussies2007
@Aussies2007 (5336)
• Australia
24 May 11
Hello debrakcarey Glad that you are alright. It does take things like that to make you realise what's important in life. It makes our daily routine and our little problems pale in comparison. Spare a thought for the people in Israel, Palestine, Iraq and Afghanistan, who lives their life everyday without knowing if it is the day they are going to be blown up by a bomb. And they don't get any warning to go and hide in a shelter either. It is not the internet wonderful, so that you still can keep in touch with your family, despite not having a phone? And while everyone in your family was worried about each other, it is of very little use, as each one of you would be powerless to do anything about it in the middle of a tornado. Worrying is a waste of time and counter productive as you don't do anything productive while you are worried. It is something the whole world better get use to, as nature's revenge on humanity is going to intensify with each year going past. They call it "Climate change". Lots of love from OZ.
debrakcarey
@debrakcarey (19887)
• United States
24 May 11
Thank you Aussies. It's been some time since I've seen the term OZ as refering to the land down under. I had a dear friend from OZ, we used to chat online and by phone. But perhaps you were being silly and refering to the land where the twister took Dorothy? Either way...it's ok. I do think of those who live that kind of stress every moment of every day. I am not so strong. I am a mother and grandmother. My life is tied up in others. It is just the way it is. I am very good under pressure, even with the tears. I get like a mother bear protecting her cubs. The tears do not stop that. You of course are right, there is no help in worry. My heart broke that my grandkids were afraid for me and their dad. Separation is a difficult thing to bear. As for nature's revenge...perhaps. I see it as a wake up call from the Creator. But that difference is insignificant when I realize that you cared enough to respond and I will say it makes me happy that you did. I've been thinking too of the friends I've had online like my friend I spoke of above- who refered to his homeland as OZ- and how we've lost touch. And the friends I have now, here on myLot. Would they care if a tornado wisked me off to the fabled land of OZ? I would like to think so. Maybe that is just wishful thinking. But it makes me smile.
Aussies2007
@Aussies2007 (5336)
• Australia
24 May 11
LOL. No I meant OZ as Australia. For my part, I prefer the term "Aussies" I own Aussies-Online.com since 1999 And indeed, the only safe place to run would be the fabled land of OZ. lol My sister is like you. She never stop worrying about her children and grand-children, and cries at the drop of a hat. I try to remain cool, calm and collected. lol
debrakcarey
@debrakcarey (19887)
• United States
24 May 11
I didn't use to cry so easy. In fact, hardly cried at all. I think that was what made me so crazy in my younger years. Now I cry and then feel better. But at work, when there's an emergency I dig in and take care of what needs to be done, then cry. What is Aussies-Online? Tell me about it. I am not looking at the pics of it today. Gonna concentrate on helping. A friend who is a physician is headed that way now and we just discussed what is needed the most. Going to remain positive!
Patsie Hatley
@Hatley (163772)
• Garden Grove, California
25 May 11
I have been so upset seeing all the damage done to Jopling and wonderingf if my distant cousins in Missouri are okay.You are so right , we should all say I love you a lot more often. I had that one thing to cling to when after a week when the doctors said my husband seemed to be recovering from a heart attack and they moved him out of the ICU into a private room. I told him before I left how much I loved him and he told me to be sure and get his Social Security as he knew he would not make it. I had hushed him and we kissed and hugged. I was called from work that next morning and he had had a major heart attack, The only thing keeping him going was the heart lung machine and I knew, oh God I did not want to believe it but I knew he was not going to recover. I went home for awhile and was on my way out the door when they called to tell me he was gone. but my one consolation was he knew I loved him and that I was sorry to see he was not going to make it. we had promised each other to grow old together b ut it was not to be. hard day s but taking it one day at a time,I did recover although I still miss him.That was back in 1991 but love stays with me and I loved him so very much too.
1 person likes this
debrakcarey
@debrakcarey (19887)
• United States
25 May 11
True love is eternal. It does not stop just cause there's separation. God knows your pain Hatley. Talk to Him about it and let Him comfort you. There will be a reunion some day!
1 person likes this
Hope
@1hopefulman (45114)
• Canada
30 May 11
Glad to see that your family is well. Happy to see that you have so much love in your heart. I have also observed on how quickly life can change and how quickly life can end. We have to continue, as Jesus said, to take it one day at the time. Matthew 6:33-34 (New Living Translation) 33 Seek the Kingdom of God[a] above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. 34 “So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today. If each day we do our best, what more can we do? The road we travel is a difficult one. But we know, it won't always be like this. There are better things ahead. 2 Peter 3:13 (New Living Translation) 13 But we are looking forward to the new heavens and new earth he has promised, a world filled with God’s righteousness.
1 person likes this
debrakcarey
@debrakcarey (19887)
• United States
30 May 11
Thank you for the words of hope and encouragement. I have found them to be true in every sense. In times like these, how else can a person remain sane?
1 person likes this
hardworkinggurl
@hardworkinggurl (37063)
• United States
26 May 11
Hi there, Thank God you are alright! So much destruction with this storm. My boyfriends mom send me a lot of pictures of the aftermath and it is quite sad. You are so right that many times we do take a lot for granted and we do need to reflect on our blessings a lot more because there are so many unfortunate people in life and such as the afflicted here with this horrible storm. I am happy to see you are okay and you are right, although I do have a tendency to always express my love for many sometimes I tend to take it for granted. Granted because we just do not know what tomorrow will bring. Here is a big kiss, lots of hugs and I love you also!
debrakcarey
@debrakcarey (19887)
• United States
26 May 11
Thank you for that hardworkinggirl. How do you stay so positive?
1 person likes this
debrakcarey
@debrakcarey (19887)
• United States
26 May 11
I totally understand, as it is that way for me too. Right now, I am struggling to remain upbeat and positive. There is way to much pain in the world to bear. I have to make a conscious decision to find the bright side.
hardworkinggurl
@hardworkinggurl (37063)
• United States
26 May 11
Hi again, Let's just say life has beaten me up way too many times and in order to try and salvage a good portion of what is left I must at all times be as up beat as possible.
anniepa
@anniepa (27955)
• United States
3 Jun 11
I'm SO sorry I took so long to finally respond to this heartfelt discussion, Debi, I think you know that! I agree, it IS important for us to say we love those we hold dear so I'll say it back to you - I love you and I love many of my other friends here. We ARE part of a community, kind of like a family in many ways. We don't always agree with each other but that has nothing to do with my feelings towards you. I can only imagine what your day was like! How scared you must have been and how absolutely HORRIFIED and worried your loved ones must have been! I've never gone through any kind of disaster like that, at least not to that extent, but I've thought about it plenty of times. Actually, every time it happens somewhere and I hear and read about it, I wonder what would happen if it happened here. The main thing I always think about is how devastating it would be if I were separated from my family if something like a tornado or an earthquake were to occur. No matter what were to happen to me, no matter how scared I may be for my own safety, nothing could possibly be as bad as NOT knowing where and how my husband, daughter and grandkids are. One thing my family does is say "I love you" to each other each and every day so thankfully I don't have to worry about having that regret. It's a very small thing, I mean as far as being so easy to say and taking only a second or two, but it means so much, doesn't it? Annie
debrakcarey
@debrakcarey (19887)
• United States
3 Jun 11
It really does. Thank you Annie for taking the time to say it to me. I love my friends here at myLot too. Even when there's disagreement, I feel like we share a bit of ourselves here for the better. It was a horrible feeling. After viewing the devestation in Joplin, the threat of a tornado here was just the final straw of a very stressful week. Thank GOD we all remained safe.
dragon54u
@dragon54u (31633)
• United States
24 May 11
I'm so glad your family is alright and you have felt renewal of the love of your friends and family. There's nothing like a disaster or near miss to make us realize what's really important. I'm comfortable with how much I tell people I love them. I'm careful not to say it every time I speak with them--I think it's so common nowadays that it's like when "have a nice day" came into vogue. It was soon an unheard phrase, and automatic utterance that was just habit. "I love you" seems to be going the same way. But everyone I love knows it, I just make it special and often enough that they don't forget it. These natural disasters really make us re-evaluate our lives and how we treat others. I hope you and yours stay safe and healthy. Just trust in God and don't be afraid, all will be well and He'll never give you more than you and He together can handle.
debrakcarey
@debrakcarey (19887)
• United States
24 May 11
I do hold on to that, that we will not be asked to bear more than we can. God has more confidence in me than I deserve I think. HE has never let me down though. There's always been enough strength to hold me up. Yes, I believe that our actions should always show our love. Sometimes that is all a person can do, show by their actions that they love those around them. My son is a very non emotional person. He chuckled at me last night when I got home and hugged him. He teased me for my worry; I said...you may be a brave bold man, I am just your mother and I love you. It's times like that that I treasure. HE hardly ever says I love you...but he did last night.
debrakcarey
@debrakcarey (19887)
• United States
24 May 11
Hello Tongliqun. Welcome! Yes, you can join in and are welcome! myLot members will support a good friend.
tongliqun
@tongliqun (2)
• China
24 May 11
I am a new one ,so i have a lot of hoping of the people ,can have support with me
TheRealDawn
@dawnald (85137)
• Shingle Springs, California
24 May 11
I plan on living forever. But I'm pretty sure life has other plans... I regret not telling it to my mother more often...
debrakcarey
@debrakcarey (19887)
• United States
24 May 11
Me too, Dawn, me too. I have a son in Iowa who will barely speak to me, who holds on to past hurts like I did with my mother. You reap what you sow. He said he loves me when Sam, my youngest son was in ICU, we hugged briefly and then the walls came back down.
1 person likes this
Bonnie
@yoyo1198 (3641)
• United States
24 May 11
Hi, debra...We had our own tornado warnings/watches here too yesterday. More severe weather predicted for today sometime as well. The power went out for a short time. Winds and rain were threatening. The only place I have to get for safety is in the bathroom in the tub. I feel so badly for the residents in Joplin. If I were in better shape, I would go over there and volunteer to do whatever I could to help. Glad you stayed safe. There will be more tornadoes and winds so we should all do our utmost to stay safe and continue with prayer. God bless all of us.
debrakcarey
@debrakcarey (19887)
• United States
24 May 11
Yes, more to come all this week. I begin my vacation on Friday. I hope it is done by then. We do not have a basement. It was a toss up between the closet in my grandson's room and the shower stall/bathtub. We did not all fit in the closet. After seeing all the devestation in Joplin, I did not feel all that safe to say the least. We are puney against the power of such things. I guess to day that was very real to me. I had forgotten. Thank you for the the blessings, and yes...to ALL of us!
bounce58
@bounce58 (17385)
• Canada
24 May 11
I'm glad to see that you're alright, and online to express your experience. As I left the house today, I saw on the news about the continuing rescue mission, and people being found under debris. But looking at all the destruction, from the outside, it is very disheartening. It does make you contemplate about people that you love when you hear calamities like this. Maybe, I'd call my mom tonight.
debrakcarey
@debrakcarey (19887)
• United States
24 May 11
And tell her you LOVE her. Good for you! I have had to take a break for looking, it is enough to know what I already have seen.
sanijas83
@sanijas83 (270)
• Latvia
24 May 11
People who face difficulties and dangerous situations can feel totally exhausted when hopes seem to be lost. Sometimes there is a wish to leave the world of stress. Hopefully belief is heeling even if it seems our prayers are not heard by God.
debrakcarey
@debrakcarey (19887)
• United States
25 May 11
I do feel exhausted, but not hopeless. At one point in my life I did feel that way. But not now. There is HOPE and FAITH that God knows my needs and will fill them. It just means I have to line up my wants with HIS will, not my own. I hope you are not feeling hopeless Sanijas83. If you do as I suggest and ask according to God's will he will supply all your needs.