How can it not affect you?

Moving to California was rough, and total culture shock. After living for 3 years in a small little town called Windsor, Colorado, I didn't think moving to a big city again was for me. The small town way of life had so grown on me. Which for a kid who grew  up in Denver, was surprising. But being able to go up the street to get dinner, take the cat to the vet, go to the gym...was awesome. Reminded me of what life used to be like as a kid in Denver.. Where you knew people just up the way.

So, over the last two days you can imagine my dismay, horror, and interest in what has been going on back home. Yesterday afternoon a very strong tornado ripped apart the area that was my town...my home, in Windsor. Our house is ok...but the area itself is not. Parts of Windsor are devastated, a pathway of trees, turned over semis and cars, boats, and debris from everywhere. Neighborhoods LESS than a mile and 1/2 from our house are faced with roofless houses, and people scrambling yesterday to find places to take cover.

On the plus side..it happened during the day, when the majority of Windsorites are off at work, so injuries and fatalities were small. However after scouring all info I can from back home, constant pings of family members and friends yesterday, and just general soaking up of what happened...it is hard not to get affected by it. Our house suffered no damage at all, and our neighborhood was unscathed. But a 5 minute walk into downtown Windsor for us back home would have us finding streets lined with debris. There are parts of Windsor closed off...people not able to access the rubble of what used to be their houses. To capture what memories they can in a bag. 

I almost feel helpless, and wanting to be home to help all. Even way out here..for as long as we have been out here, I have felt tied to my life, my home..my comfortability out there. I continue to pray for all who lost their homes, their fences, their roofs, their animals..anyone who suffered harm from yesterdays storm.