And it was granted. As we prayed, a different mood prevailed in our little huddled family group. We knew we would be all right no matter what happened because God was with us. We felt His presence. He would help us through this valley.
After what seemed like hours but was actually only minutes, the worst of the storm was over. As the winds lessened, the rains increased and our basement began to fill with water. We knew it was time to face what was left above us.
The damage was unbelievable! Our home still stood but it has been pummeled with debris including a 10,000 steel bin. This bin hung off the corner of our house and creaked in the wind like chalk grating on a blackboard. Our farm buildings were in a shambles. The roof of our steel building was ripped and torn. In the continued lightening, it resembled huge knives cutting through the sky. Most of our trees were uprooted or split in half. Trees that had stood majestically for fifty years now resembled kindling. As I tried to comprehend the devastation, I whispered to my family, “This is definitely not Kansas, Toto.”
The next few days were filled with clean-up and decision making. Our farm was the only place touched by the tornado in our area so we had lots of help in trying to get back to normal. There wasn't a lot of time for conversation and examination of our experiences.
It wasn't until five days later, on Sunday morning, that I had an opportunity to ask our youngest son, Noah, how he felt about the tornado experience.
He started by saying that he had been worried about his friends that night. Now he knew they were all safe and he felt better.
Then I asked him a few questions to see how much he remembered about the actual storm.
“Do you remember who was holding you during the storm?” I asked. I knew that Jayme had held him.
He replied with innocence, “Yes, Mom. God was holding me.”
“What do you mean?” I asked, trying not to look as shocked as I felt at his response.
“I mean that God was holding me. And, oh yeah, Grandpa was right next to him. Didn't you see them?” His voice was incredulous.
“No, honey, I'm sorry but I didn't see them.”
“Well, he was there. And God said, "Don"t be frightened. I'll take care of you.'
And Grandpa smiled.”
Noah ended his response with his own little smile of remembrance.
