Last Thursday evening, around 5:30 p.m., when thankfully most of my co-workers were on their way home and I was on my way to Wisconsin for a nice, long weekend, an F2 tornado ripped through the beautiful campus where I work at the Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center in Wooster.
I shared with you this spring the gorgeous blossoms of our crabapple trees.
I'm not saying things won't resume some semblance of normalcy. Thursday will be one week from when the tornado struck, and for the first time the employees in my building will be able to return to their workplaces, but only to retrieve any personal items. But things won't be the same either.
Yes, there will be new beauties and new opportunities, but it's also so sad to see all the destruction. Last week I took the beauty of those surroundings for granted. It will be a long time before I make that mistake again.
Goodness. Was everyone ok? I work only 20 minutes away from Parkersburg, Iowa where an F5 tornado wiped out 1/2 of the town a couple years ago. Tragic events always give us a bold reminder to appreciate the things we are surrounded by everyday. Wishing the school a quick recovery.
ReplyDeleteIt is sad to see such descruction...and it happens so fast with a tornado too. That is one thing I do not miss about the midwest, tornadoes!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful post, Jane. Your pictures are fabulous and precious. And yes, I think you're right. It was a miracle that everyone was safe. Thinking of you all!!
ReplyDeletesorry for your community's loss! we are battling a fire out here (utah) and seeing the mountain black is heartbreaking.
ReplyDeleteSo devastating! I am glad everyone is safe. I too believe in miracles, not luck. I am so thankful you do have the beautiful pictures to remember it by.
ReplyDeleteOh my! In a moment life is changed forever! What a vivid reminder to not take things for granted. So glad you and all your co-workers are safe!
ReplyDeleteWhat a wake-up call!
ReplyDeleteRemember when you commented on my blog about being in similar lives. I think I have actually been to the campus in Wooster? Is/was there a Jersey dairy there?
Oh Jane..I remember seeing those gorgeous photos and that realy sucks. So scary. I am glad that everyone was safe.
ReplyDeleteHave a great Thursday.
Just found your blog. Glad to hear everyone was ok. I'm glad you have those beautiful pictures as memories.
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness, how sad and scary. I'm glad you have the pictures--those are priceless!
ReplyDeleteHi there! It is always fun to find someone in the bloggy world that isn't far away. I live in Hayesville, Ohio. But grew up in West Salem. My little sister goes to ATI.(Small world) I'm so thankful no one was hurt in this tornado. My sister was at the fair, showing her horse when it happened. I'm glad you and everyone you work with were not hurt.
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