This past week two small towns in my vicinity were hit by devastating tornadoes. One small town, Ridgway, is only ten or so miles away; the other town, Harrisburg, is twenty miles away. Six people died in Harrisburg. For more information about them, here is the site to one of the local tv channels: http://www.wsiltv.com/
My heart is heavy for the town of Harrisburg. They have lost some good people. And my heart is even heavier for the families of these good people.
My facebook friends have been posting pictures. Here are some of them.
Harrisburg Tornado Rt 45 and 34 junction
homes demolished
path of the tornado
there just aren't words to convey the sadness
just unbelievable
Brady Apt by Stephanie Tyrpak
the strip mall that had several stores
These are just a few of the many devastating pictures. Piles of rubble that used to be a lovely brick church or the Golden Circle. Homes with the roofs blown off. Huge trees uprooted. Semis to cars turned on their sides.
Thankfully no one in Ridgway was killed, but they lost a most beautiful church, approximately 150 years old, and businesses and homes were destroyed or damaged. Here are some of the photos of that area.
This beautiful, old church was destroyed when the roof fell in -- all but the altar, that is.
The altar still stands
One of the main businesses in Ridgway
So many wonderful people immediately stepped up to the plate and started swinging, bringing in water, setting up a food trailer for the rescue workers and volunteers, donating money, whatever was needed.
These are the things I am going to remember on those days when the bad news far exceeds the good news. These good people, their good hearts and helping hands; their strong backs and arms as they hold the chain saws to cut homes and businesses out of fallen trees; their tired, aching bodies from searching through rubble for someone alive.
apronsandappetites 
The photos are unreal. It’s hard to believe, not being able to see it for myself.
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They are going to rebuild our church and I am glad to say the old alter will be sitting proudly in it. We will go on with a new church and the memories of the old one that had to fall. There must always be change. We might not like it but we must live with it and carry on and make new memories for the future.
Sandy Bond
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Thanks for posting, Sandy. Change is tough, and yet it happens every day. You’ve stated it very well here.
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Oh lord that is so scary. I’m glad you are ok.
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From listening to the stories, I cannot imagine how horrifying the experience of being in the path of a tornado would be.
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Sandy, you were in my prayers when I heard the tornado had hit Harrisburg. I’m so glad youre okay and that your home was not damaged. It amazes me how people come together to help others when these disasters happen.. My best to you and your family.
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