Just Keep Swimming...One Year Later

We have a new pool set up in the backyard and the kids are loving it.  Sunday we spent the afternoon outside and the weather was really amazing.  I got to sit on the patio and listen to music and soak up some sunshine while the kids splashed in the pool.  Daniel refuses to go in it, but the other boys are swimming a lot and enjoying it.  It was very nice to hop in the water and cool off.  I think it was almost 90 degrees today, but low humidity, so it felt great.

Today is the first anniversary of the tornado that hit my community.  It is very strange to think about the past year and how that one storm affected not only my family, but the many others who lost homes and loved ones.  We were lucky that we didn't have any physical damage to our house and that no one was hurt.  But, the emotional toll it has taken on my husband and children is significant. 

Sam and Caleb immediately go to the the basement whenever there is a thunderstorm.  It has been a stormy spring, unfortunately.   They definitely have anxiety since they are old enough to understand what all happened one year ago.  The  boys talk about the tornado less than they used to, but when we drive down 795 past the school campus the topic ALWAYS comes up.   They worry about another tornado coming and it makes me sad to see that on their faces and hear it in their voices. 

My husband has had to deal with a lot more stress at work with the school being destroyed and basically working a whole lot more hours trying to figure out what to do.  Thankfully the team of people he works with are so dedicated and awesome.  Truly great people and hard workers and exactly who you want on your team if you have to face a situation like this one.  

With Lee working two full time jobs and dealing with getting a new high school built, it has been a lot of time away from home.  I know he is doing a good job and is working very hard, but I worry about him.  I worry that the stress is great and hours that he puts in are a lot to handle.   I know worrying is useless and a waste of time, but it is difficult not to think about it.  I don't want his health to be compromised or for him to miss out on being a carefree dad with his sons.  I feel like he has missed out on many little things that you just can never get back.  

I know these problems are nothing compared to what others went and are going though as a result of the tornado.    I do count my blessing and thank God that we were safe that night.  I  know that the last year has been a LONG year.  It sure feels that way for a lot of people.  But, there is a glimmer on the horizon.  The new township building was opened and dedicated today.  The high school is being rebuilt.  The community is strong and pushing forward.  Life goes on.