Count Your Blessings

Last week, the beautiful state of Alabama was devastated by several tornadoes. The storms were the most fierce in history. One of the tornadoes, which was over a mile wide, stayed on the ground from Tuscaloosa to somewhere in Georgia. The death toll is over 250 in just Alabama (other parts of the south were affected, too) and there are still hundreds missing. Many schools will be closed until further notice. The University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa cancelled finals and postponed graduation until August. High schools, middles schools, and elementary school students are being bused to other schools. Thousands of people lost EVERYTHING in several towns. Tuscaloosa, Cullman, Pleasant Grove, Pratt City, Concord, are just a few.

We live about 20 miles south of Birmingham. Our area was not hit. Shelby County schools were let out at noon on the day of the storms. Families in this area spent most of the afternoon and evening in their safe places glued to radios and televisions. Now, grandparents, parents, aunts, uncles, brothers, sisters, children, etc. are trying to pick up the pieces and salvage even the smallest trinket that they can find among what looks like toothpicks but is really their beloved homes.

The outpouring of love and support is the one bright spot in this tragedy. People from all over the country have come together to help people dig through rubble, get much needed supplies, and find places to sleep. Can you imagine what it would be like to not even own a toothbrush anymore? I know I can't! But, this is exactly what thousands of people are going through right now.

Our school is doing a "Fill My Bucket" project. One of our teachers got "Home Depot" to donate enough 5 gallon buckets for each class. The students are bringing in supplies to send to these people in need. Many organizations are filling 18 wheelers with everything from diapers to work gloves. Some of our stores are out of or running low on bottled water and the such. Which is WONDERFUL! Facebook is full of opportunities to volunteer. Tickers are going across the bottom of the tv with information on where to take your donations, locations of shelters, and the like. It does your heart good to see everyone pitch it!

So, when you eat your dinner tonight, brush your teeth, and snuggle into your warm comfy bed, count your blessings, even the smallest ones! HUGS TO EVERYONE!!