Mississippi has surely been hammered recently by storm after storm, rain and more rain and even numerous tornadoes.
The strong line of storms that came through last week did a huge amount of damage in our community. My heart goes out to all those who suffered such damage and loss.
When my children were small and there was a storm coming, I did what mothers do — prepare a safe place to hunker down. Our safe place is the small bathroom located in the middle of the house. It has no windows. I lined the bathtub with pillows and blankets, put bottled water and flashlights in and we settled down.
Nowadays, I am a little less anxious – especially since we eliminated 14 large trees that I always feared might be blown over on our home.
Before the threatening line of storms made it to Tallahatchie County last week, daughter Kelsey called and asked if I thought they should go to the storm shelter.
Having three very small children and keeping them still and calm can be quite the feat. Plus, Kelsey has always been very nervous herself during bad weather.
We have never gone to a shelter during bad weather, but I told her that if they wanted to go, we would go with them. We arrived at the Tallahatchie County Safe Room in Charleston and joined about 25-30 other people there.
Our family gathered at one of the tables set up. We brought drinks and snacks, and Kelsey also brought books, colors and other activities for the kids.
I have to say, I felt completely safe there. Even though I could see the trees moving violently in the wind outside the windows, I wasn’t able to hear it. Just sitting around the table talking and visiting among ourselves and with others was calming.
During a trip to the restroom, Kelsey noticed that another child who had come in after us with her mom was very nervous and scared. Both Kelsey’s mom and teacher instincts kicked in and she asked the little girl if she would like to join our Harper and Beckett to watch children’s videos together. She did (left), and she then seemed perfectly content.
After much debate over the safe room, I have to say that I am thankful for having it here in our community and won’t hesitate to use it again.
