Two months After the Tornados

From: tandpam@shawneelink.net

Chuck and the SHNV family,

It’s two months since hell came to the Southland on 4 27,11; and in that period Pam and I have remained in near constant contact with folks in several affected areas. Most specifically Hackelburg, Alabama; however,
we have not forgotten the good people of TN, GA, or MS. Our hearts and prayers went out to everyone the day the "monsters hit"

The time Pam and I spent  volunteering there, though way too short, was like no other in our 21 years together like Dickens’ quote from A Tale of Two Cities, it was "The best of times and the Worst of Times."

Now, I was all too familiar with the war zone look that was waiting there upon our arrival, fortunately Pam had until that time been spared such horror and devastation.  But, like the country girl she is, a few tears later, and it was roll up the sleeves and pitch in. I was so proud of her, and so pleased how little time it took for Alabama and her people to capture her heart.

For 21 years I had been telling her of what a special place Bama was and how kind and hard working her people were. One thing is for certain I had made no exaggeration of either and she saw it first hand.

Since our return to illannoy, we have phoned Hackelburg nearly every other day. Friendships were formed on that trip that I know will last the rest of our lifetimes. As a couple we are blessed to have had that opportunity.  We went there to help and yet, I can not help feel that we were the ones who received the blessin’.

So here we are 2 months after the tragedy, not a day has gone by that we haven’t kept up in some manner of form on how the recovery has proceeded. I am so pleased that by all the powers that be points of view, the recovery is at the 5 or 6 month mark instead of just 2.

Why? Because, we are talking about a group of people that have had their world kicked out from under them on many occasions for 150 years.  Yet they have never buckled, never wavered in their faith and determination.  This all proves to me, and hopefully to many, many others as well, that anyone foolish enough to believe that the South Shall Never Rise Again to her once grand position in the world, is either truly a fool, or better yet just damn stupid.

I just hope and pray I live long enough to see. If not, Lord please let my children and grandsugars see it.

I have always heard that with any tragedy some good comes around. The tragedy of April 27, 2011 was on a monumental scale, and so will be the good that shall come in the future, because the people of the South are
a people unto their own, and May God Bless and Keep them always close to his heart.

Thanks for letting me share my thoughts with y’all on a subject that is most precious to me and my Pam. May all here find pride in being Southern, never bow your head down except unto the Creator, for the South has nothing to be ashamed for; no matter who might say or write that she does. It’s my belief, that if there are shameful people in the South, then they are either skalawags or moved there from some other parts. Please excuse any spelling errors, the damn spell check broke lol.

Warmest regards

T