Prayers and Thoughts Go Out

I was watching television, just flipping through channels yesterday evening, when I came across the news broadcast reporting on the tornado outbreak in Oklahoma. I couldn't help but watch and feel helpless. I mean, look at that photo. The path of destruction was immense. It included two elementary schools and a hospital. I hate the fact that we have hurricanes here in Florida, but I would not want to have tornadoes. Those poor people had sixteen minutes to find shelter and get ready to brace themselves. With a hurricane, we can get the heck out of town before it hits. We have days to get prepared. Sixteen minutes? I cannot imagine the terror these people felt knowing they could not escape its path as it bared down on them. I always feel horrible when bad things happen to people, especially when they do not survive it. Something in my soul hurts. I just feel overwhelmed with sorrow and I feel bad that I can't go help them. However, whenever there are children involved that do not survive, I feel way worse. I can't imagine how scared they were as that tornado tore their school up while they were in it. It is reported that some that did not survive actually drowned under the rubble. That is not a peaceful death. It is filled with horror and terror and knowing that you are going to die. I just feel such a huge hole in my soul. I feel horrible for their families. There was also a mother and infant at a gas station that also perished. I hurt for that too. I hurt for all of the victims. The ones that did not make it, the ones that did, the ones who lost everything and can do nothing about it. I pray that God helps them all. Nothing can replace what they have lost. Only time can even begin to heal the wounds they have suffered, physical or otherwise. I hope that everyone takes a few moments today to think of these people. Think about your lives and what you have. The problems that we all think are insurmountable, are really nothing in comparison. We can overcome those easily if we just try. Be thankful today for your life and your family. Be grateful for what you have. It could all be ripped away instantly. I am going to hug my kids more today and tell them I love them. I am going to tell my fiance that I love him and appreciate him. As I write this, I can't help but cry a little. I am shedding tears of sadness for those victims in Oklahoma, and I am also shedding tears of joy that I have all that I have. Even if it doesn't seem like it sometimes. I may not have a lot of money, but I do have my kids and a man that loves me. I have my parents and sister and family that cares about me. Today, I am grateful.