My personal experience with the tornadoes:
On March 3, 2020 Middle Tennessee experience what was considered one of the worst tornadoes ever in history. An EF-3/EF-4 tornado took landfall in Davidson County, Wilson County, and Putman County leaving many homeless and without power for almost an entire week. The updated death statistics sit at 25 with over 150 people injured.
When I personally heard the news the next morning and saw the damage that have been done my jaw immediately dropped to the floor. Businesses were destroyed, there were families and their pets that were left without a place to call home I was heartbroken for everyone who had to experience this. The city that I spend 40+ hours in every week has seen such a horrific devastation in just a matter of minutes.
After viewing more of the damage and letting my mind mediate on each destruction photo i took in, I felt a heavy burden on my heart that kept picking at me over and over. "I have to help.. i do not know how just yet but my city needs me."
I took to social media (naturally, right?) to venture out to see what were the possibilities to provide whatever type of service I could give. I was overwhelmed with opportunities of volunteering labor,time, and the option of donating goods and money. I pulled my debit card out and right away to help with the animals but I just felt like that wasn't enough.
I got a bright idea a few hours after obsessing over an idea. "A donation drive. There are so many people who would be willing to help but they just don't want to or they can't make the drive; I work in north Nashville so this is brilliant! I could take up donated goods and take them to the animal shelters and other appropriate donation drop off locations."
I posted my idea on social media and the next morning I had a good friend reached out saying that she could help. We delegated a plan, I made the art content and less than half a day it was posted for all of social media to see. In just TWO HOURS I already had a trunk full of pet food, baby food and supplies, and cleaning supplies. I packed these items away in my trunk and immediately went to research on drop off locations. After deciding my first destination I configured that I will wait another day to give our neighbors a chance to drop off more goods.
Two days later on that Friday, my entire trunk and back seat was filled with supplies. I organized everything and then made my afternoon journey to the animal shelter. Once I arrived at the front lobby I saw that it was full of bags of food, leashes, beds, kennels- you name it, they had it. I gave my name to the lady at the front desk and she sent someone out to help me unload. I was blown away, animals play such a huge part in my life. I was in tears seeing people pouring in with more supplies to contribute to the already over flowing stash.
"I'm just glad I can help," I said to the gentleman thanking me as he was helping me unload my car.
"So many precious fur babies out here are just now coming up from the rubble, unsure of where their owners are and confused of why what used to be their home is no longer standing. I would save every single one of them if I could. "
That is when my stomach knotted, I can't save every single one of them and that is what is breaking my heart...
Off to Lebanon I went. As I got off on the exit I took a detour just to see how bad it really was. There were piles of rubble of what used to be homes, signs of businesses stuck on top of what used to be their roof, power lines were still hanging by a thread. It looked like it was straight out of a movie, but it wasn't.... this was real life. The weather was bright and gorgeous, you'd never thought a tornado came through just a.few short days ago until you saw the destruction.
I found my way to the fire station with the rest of my supplies. I remember reading on Facebook people were complaining about Wilson County not getting any air time on television and the worries that they were getting swept under the rug. However, that was not the case. I arrived at the fire station and had to wait in line to unload my items. Volunteers were everywhere shorting everything by categories and helping others unload their vehicles. I pulled up and the gentlemen noticed my emergency tags right away. He asked me what service and I told him I was an ex 911 operator. He thanked me for my prior service as I thanked him for his and helped me unload.
"This is amazing, thank you for coming all the way from Murfreesboro. "
"Of course, we're neighbors we take care of one another, "I responded.
At that point in time it didn't matter what religion or political party you belonged to, it didn't matter what background you came from or what type of education you had - we were all one coming together helping our neighbors in need.
As I drove off, I watched people board the bus at the police department to help volunteer and clean up the hard impacted areas. Mothers, fathers, adults my age, and even kids were formed in long lines so eager to volunteer their labor to help their community.
I continued to browse around the small city, the Walmart was completely roofless, fast food joints blown to shreds. I couldn't help but think how grateful i was to know that these people are getting the help they deserve.
I got back home, still high from the adrenaline from helping tornado victims, logged into social media and what did I see? So much negativity. People bashing the news for what counties they show the most and this and that. It took all I had to stay quiet .
I couldn't help but wonder WHY are you spending so much time complaining on social media? Instead, you could take that energy and put it towards helping these people. If that town is like your second home and means as much to you like you claim it does you wouldn't be posting that, you would be out there doing what ever it is you can to help!!!!!!!!
People are so quick to make excuses on why they can't do this or that but sure can make a negative post in like half a second. I'm not sorry for saying this: praying is not enough. You can't just say you'll pray for Nashville and go about your normal day. There are people dead, homes and businesses destroyed, animals lost and all you got is "praying for you". No, you get out there, do what you can to help and after you do all you can you then pray for them and find more ways to help these people. THAT is how prayer works.. but that is another topic for another day.
I hope this leaves you inspired. If you're an outsider of Tennessee I hope this helps paint a picture of what being a true Tennessean is about. We come from all throughout the hills, the valleys, the mountains- everywhere just to help our neighbors. We give so much love until we don't have anymore, then we fill our cups up and give it all over again. We take care of our own, and that is what makes us Nashville Strong.
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