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My Call From Moore Oklahoma

By
Real Estate Broker/Owner with Home Point Real Estate DRE # 01492725

My Call From Moore Oklahoma

Yesterday I went home for lunch and as I was getting back into my truck to head to work my cell rang. My brother said, “I Just wanted to let you know I am OK.” I had no idea what he was talking about, so he went on to tell me about the Tornado. He heard they were coming and rushed home to Moore to try and find his grand kids, who he knew were getting out of school. He told me he was heading down the 35 and people were pulling over to shelter, but he just floored it and kept going. His son met him at the school where the kids were in shelter and they would not let them out.

(This is actually very wise 99% of the time as the schools are generally well built, have safe zones, and can you imagine what would happen if all those kids were caught in the open or in a school bus?)

This was not one of the schools hit. His family was safe. But what about our Aunt and Uncle; and all our cousins on the other side of town from him where the tornado went through. He could not reach them.

I hung up so he could try more calls. The streets were a mess and they were not letting people through to the devastated areas so emergency workers could get in.

I got to the office and went on line to get news and see pictures. The first picture I clicked on was tied to a News Bulletin, Convoy of Hope already has help on the way.” Convoy of Home is a Christian Mission and it reminded me to pray. They are very good at responding to these kinds of things and if you want to help a good place to give.

I looked at more photos and saw aerial view of the streets near my aunt and uncle flattened. I feared the worst. Then my brother called. He had finally reached them; they were all OK, but the power was out.

I know that there are some people that have lost loved ones; thinking of those poor parents who lost kids is heart breaking. I do not know why some are spared and others are not; but I do know my God cares for them and will walk with them through their grief. I pray that God will give them a peace beyond all understanding.

As I hear the news this morning I know that God was in this situation. The death toll is down to 24, which looking at the damage is a miracle.

Oklahoma may not be on people's top 10 vacation destinations, but it is a good place with good people. It is truly middle America and the heart of this country. Please pray for these people and send help if you can.   

Comments (5)

Jean Hanley
Coldwell Banker Kivett Teeters - Hemet, CA
Specializing in Folks Who Want To Buy/Sell Homes

Watching all of this on the news has just been heart-wrenching.  Seems we are having an awful lot of disaster happening lately.  Glad your family was ok

May 21, 2013 04:13 AM
Than Maynard
Coldwell Banker Heart of Oklahoma - Purcell, OK
Broker - Licensed to List & Sell - 405-990-8862

The last number I saw was 48 deaths, but they had it at 91 this morning.

 We are most grateful for everyone's prayers and thoughts.

UPDATE: The death toll is now listed as 24.

May 21, 2013 07:21 AM
Kathy Streib
Cypress, TX
Home Stager/Redesign

Gene- you and your family must have been so frightened.  I was thinking this morning while I was out walking... what would you do if that happened here?  We're told to stay inside for something like that but I know I would also want to keep going until I had them safe with me.  I am so glad that your aunt and uncle, and the rest of your family are ok. 

May 21, 2013 12:42 PM
William Feela
WHISPERING PINES REALTY - North Branch, MN
Realtor, Whispering Pines Realty 651-674-5999 No.

I have been through a ccouple of small twisters, but this is unfathomable. 

MY prayers go out to them

May 21, 2013 01:38 PM
Susan Emo
Sotheby's International Realty Canada - Brokerage - Kingston, ON
Kingston and the 1000 Islands Area
Gene - I am so glad your family was spared but I hold their friends,family and entire community up in prayer tonite
May 23, 2013 01:26 PM