Buildings are still coming down...
And there are lots of empty lots and foundations where things used to be...like on Main Street.
Classrooms may be conducted out of trailers... but there was a school, too (sorry, missed the picture on that one).
And the overall impression was one of rebirth and hope. There were hand-decorated and lettered wooden stars on many street corners reading "Hope" and "Smile" or bearing smiley faces. We didn't get out and walk around - it was getting late in the day, and besides, it felt something of an imposition to walk around gawking like tourists. Not sure it was much better to do so from a moving vehicle, but it was an eye-opening experience, nonetheless.
2 comments:
It is amazing how a force of nature can have such an impact. Good to hear the feeling you got was one of hope and rebirth. Our little town of Prattville was hit by a tornado back in January. It had a major impact in a positive way. The folks here pulled together and showed love, sympathy, kindness and friendship to complete strangers. It was a blessing in disguise I think.
I've been extremely thankful that the tornadoes have avoided us since I've lived in South Dakota. Touch wood that they'll continue to do so, as that's one extreme experience I can definitely live without! But disasters certainly do bring out both the best and the worst in people - good to hear you came through ok!
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