A Tornado update.

As many of ya'll know, on March 15th a tornado went through my area on the outskirts of Timmonsville. Unfortunately, I took a big hit. My home was destroyed, one of my stables was totally destroyed, all other barns and stables received considerable damage in addition to every fence was damaged. Sadly one of my horses did not survive. I lost every tree in my yard which included three 200 year old pecans trees, old beautiful crepe myrtles and others. In my pastures I have another twenty plus trees uprooted and damaged, including some wonderful old black walnuts. I was in the house, in the center closet (just like the Weather Channel told me to do!) with two of my dogs. I cannot even describe it.

But now comes the time of re-building. I have purchased a mobile home. It is located right next to the house. I have a place to live!!! Maybe I can get organized now!

Most importantly, I want to thank and acknowledge all of the considerable help, support and care that the CareSouth Carolina staff have given. There are so many folks that have offered their prayers and encouragement. I so appreciate it. But, there are some folks to whom I want to give special acknowledgment and thanks:

• Neal, Elaine, Ryan and Dylan Anderson: Thank you is not enough for this family. Not only did I move in with them for three weeks, but Neal has worked harder than anyone I can imagine dealing with all the damage, getting my horses and other animals safe, stabilizing the chaos and keeping a level head in the midst of such trauma. His work can never be re-paid. There aren't many people in the world who have such a good friends as Neal, his wife Elaine and their boys (who are hard workers!) Ryan and Dylan. I am blessed!


• Rose Brown: what would I have done without her hard work: packing and organizing for the move out and the move in. Not to mention, keeping me in touch with work in the office. Rose is very, very special!


• Marie Stephens: her help with packing, moving out and in and even washing some laudry ofr me (you would not believe how much laundry there has been!) was a godsend.


• Joy Gandy: Joy really does a mean packing job! She just "gets it done"!!!!


• Thomas Graham and Jason Sellers: added their muscle to cleanup and debis removal!


• Randy Yarborough and Kevin Yarborough: pitched in for my last minute moving!


• Liz Kershner and her husband Rich: their help on Easter weekend (which was hot and brutal) picking up the huge amount of debris and trash was sooo appreciated. Not to mention the doughnuts!


• Mark Sobiski: for his wonderful help during the time he was dealing with his own grief. Mark has always been the for me. He thinks about things and needs before they even cross my mind!


• Kathy Spann-Hampton: Thanks! I really needed that!


• Tim Walters: Thanks, much appreciated!


• The McColl site: I am so looking forward to using your gift certificate for the Spa Day!! I really, really need it!


• The Society Hill RLG site: I can't tell you all how much I appreciate your thoughtfulness.


• If I forgot someone, please forgive me. My mind has been too full with "stuff" lately and I'm finding that my memory is not too good without my trusty notebook!

So what now? People ask. All I can tell everyone is that there is, and will be for a long, long time, an enormous amount of work to be done. Clearing the huge amount of debris in the yard and in the pastures, rebuilding fences, rebuilding and repairing the barns, sheds and stables. I can honestly say that most every weekend for the foreseeable future will be spent doing this work. Any and all volunteers welcome!!!

So, remember, when the Weather Channel issues a tornado watch and then a tornado warning, take action. If I had not been in the center of my house, in a closet with no windows, I am sure things would have been different. But I paid close attention to the weather alerts and was ready. When the windows blew out, the roof came off, the sun room and porch blew off.... if I had not been in the closet, I truly would have been Dorothy! Take care, Ann Lewis