I am sure you have all heard and/or been affected by the recent tornadoes. Especially the big daddy one in Joplin. We have cousins there. Jimmer and Shane. And their families. If you have ever read my testimony on my wendyhagen.net website then you read about cousin Shane. He was instrumental in leading me to faith in Jesus. Shane and Linn lost just about everything -- house, clothes, cars, stuff, shoes, checkbook, unpaired socks (cuz I think we all average about 15 of those, right?), photos, two computers . . .
Here is the amazing thing - no one was hurt.
The sirens went off. They thought no big deal. But Shane stepped outside and heard thunder like he had never heard before. Then turned on the weather station. Grabbed nothing and headed for their closets. This all happened in two minutes.
Shane and Linn huddled down in one closet and his daughter, son and his friend huddled in another while the house basically caved in on them. Oh the terror. I cannot believe they survived this when their house looks like this. Thank you God!
And this is his car. It used to be a red ferrari :)
Tornado lasted for about 4 or 5 minutes. Shane and Linn were stuck and it was silent. Did not hear their children for about 4 minutes. Shane said it was the worst feeling of his life. All he could think was I sent them to the wrong closet. They should have been in this one. Finally he heard voices. Relief. Lexi pushed her way out of the closet and screamed for help. The neighbor came and got Shane and Linn out. Shane and Linn were only stuck for about 15 minutes. Then they helped other neighbors.
Thankfully, Jimmer's house was not affected by the tornado and he was able to come get Shane and his family and take them to his house. Total blessing. They have a place to stay and it is with family. They have electricity and access to stores, but where do they begin to pick up the pieces of this mess?
Shane and Linn own a happening hair salon in Joplin called The White Rhino. You can even like it on Facebook. Shane is an incredible stylist. He did my hair for my wedding and his wife did my makeup!
Shane is already back to work because he cannot afford not to be. Meanwhile, he is trying to deal with insurance, trying to figure out where they will live, trying to figure out the situation with his 11-year-old son and school . . . overwhelming. And of course there are the effects of seeing dead bodies and knowing people who have died. On top of all this they are dealing with a longterm, serious health issue in their family.
What can we do to help Shane and Linn deal with this disaster? Thanks for asking.
Are you ready to join me? Do you have an etsy shop or do you sell doilies on your website? Are you willing to give up some of your profits for a week for a good cause? Then get ready for "Shop for Jop." And email me if you think you might want to get in on this action.
Even if you don't have a doily shop you can help spread the word and you can "Shop for Jop!" Stay tuned for details . . .
Welcome friends, family, randoms, lurkers, blog addicts, fellow desperate moms, and Bono. This blog consists of mostly funny stuff that will make you feel better about yourself. Lots of mom comedy, non-Kodak moments, and un-fashion tips. On Wednesdays I write about my life as a former childhood actress complete with posts about how the entertainment business works, actors I met (or stalked), people and animals I worked with, my Hollywood friends, and photos of former teen heartthrobs. And if that’s not enough to draw you in to follow me . . . I have done some amazing giveaways. A rubber chicken, millions of doll hairs, and unlimited supplies of air. Come join the party.
13 comments:
As I mentioned on twitter I can not even imagine. My heart breaks for everyone. Even up here in Canada we are getting updates 24/7 on the Joplin situation. I don't have an etsy shop or anything like that but I am willing to donate the money off the next sponsored post I do. It's not much but it is something.
after living through tornado seasons in the south for almost twenty years-i feel this pain. such devastation! thankful god protected your dear family. praying for them all.
now, i don't HAVE a shop, but i am ready TO shop for jop!!! xo
This is SO scary. We have family in Springfield--not far from all of this tornado damage. I am so thankful that your family is safe.
Don't have a store, but I am *happy* to shop for a good cause. Can't wait to hear details. :)
I get overwhelmed just looking at the destruction - I wouldn't know where to begin.
I'm glad your family made it out alive.
Wow! That was crazy.. scary...sad.. Praise God they are alright! I don't sell anything but when you get the links to the shops who are participating I'd love to write a post on it and lead others to their shops! What a great idea.
Thank you for this post! I live just outside of Joplin, the only effects from the tornado we suffered were fear as we hunkered down in a shelter and heard about the disaster in Joplin, and then a little over 2 days without power from downed power lines.
My DH was working at Lowe's when the tornado struck...I was constantly texting "Are you alright?" "Are you alright, I'm scared?" Thankfully his work received minimal damage compared to the massive damage just down the block and for 6 miles long, and probably 1 mile wide at least. We had friends that were in the stores, in their cars, that all have horrific stories to tell, but their lives were spared! And it is a disaster zone...although I have seen it, it is hard to fathom such destruction...my thoughts and prayers are with all those who lost their homes, and lost loved ones...we will be there to help for the duration!! Thanks for all the support :)
Thanks for stopping by my blog on Friday. It's nice to meet you. :)
I'll be watching for your Shop For Jop coming up.
OMG! That is terrifying! I am so glad they're not harmed! Man, it did a number on their house and car, though. What is up with this weather? It's insane. Normally I'm not very concerned, but I'm extremely anxious this year. Those poor people in Joplin. My heart goes out to them.
Thanks for sharing - I'll be looking forward to hearing more about how to "shop for jop" . . .
and thanks for commenting on my blog - glad I found yours!
Those pictures are Heartbreaking!!!!! And, count me in for Shop for Jop. I will donate 50% of my etsy sales for this! Email me details!
Wow Wendie...when I read this:
I sent them to the wrong closet...I started bawling.
I'm from OK. We KNOW tornadoes. I had to immediately call my 20 year old daughter, who is back home, and make sure she was safe and secure and not worried.
Don't watch the news so I learned of the tornado from your site.... Not a huge etsy shopper, but just donated $300 specifically to Joplin Relief with the Salvation Army in your cousin's honor. Thank you for putting a face to the news...
THANK YOU Anonymous!
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