Oklahoma Tornadoes

   The dense moist air that always accompanies tornado weather settled heavily in our underground hidey hole. The shelter has two types of air vents which seemed like it would keep the air fresh and pleasant, but we needed the hatch open too. The dogs panted and panted and the thought that I was breathing dog breath with every gasp didn’t ease the electrified atmosphere. They’re not even my dogs. They’re the two mutts our daughter rescued from the shelter, and her faithful friends. Not counting the dogs, there were six members of our family and six of our neighbors.
   We had the tornado shelter installed this year after living in Oklahoma 5 years. It seemed like good timing as immediately after we ordered it, North Carolina had a devastating series of tornadoes.  Then Joplin Missouri was destroyed.  We knew there was heavy weather forecast yesterday. Businesses closed and employers sent their employees home early.
The Savior said, “How oft would I have gathered you as a hen gathereth her chicks under her wing, but you would not.” I know what he is telling us. He wants to call us home from the work places and the activities and trivial pursuits and collect us into the safety of his storm sheltering wings. He knows what’s ahead and knows that He is the only safe place.
   We watched the storms on the TV and monitored our personal threat with our weather service radio. It sounds a blaring alarm when we need to be alerted to danger. We thought we had plenty of time, but suddenly the city sirens began their wailing scream. We left our dinner on the table and Jeff ran next door to encourage them to come into the shelter.
With all the confusion and devastation of a tornado, it certainly orders our priorities. The people I loved were safe, and I was so glad to have some of our neighbors come in to safety too. It worried me that some stayed back because of other concerns. (I think they were worried about bringing a little dog in. We would not have minded if it meant that they were safe too.) Even Americans can disregard the personal space bubble when it’s a matter of life and death.
    We huddled, mostly quiet, listening and waiting.  The rain started in earnest, (you have to LIVE in the Midwest to know what earnest rain is. I think you can drown in it!) We dont’ know our neighbors very well and their children and grandchildren even less. Funny how the most natural thing in the world doesn’t always come naturally.  Brian moved over beside the children where he had more headroom and began asking them about themselves and teasing them, adding little jokes about himself too. He eased the situation from tense to fun and exciting. As I look inward, I wonder why I didn’t start with that myself. I know from observation that my neighbors are people I WANT to know better. I know we’d enjoy each other if we spent more time together. But as it was, I was glad that Brian did the natural thing for him and made friends. It made it easier for all of us.
   After a while, the siren quieted. The rain stopped and the voice on the crank radio told us that the danger was had passed. We separated back into our sturdy brick homes, to watch and weep for those in the surrounding counties whose lives will never be the same.
But I learned something about myself and see ways that I need to change. Perhaps the tornado that passed 5 miles to the north changed me too.