Esther Norine: Make A Difference Monday

A big storm was coming and we knew it. Most big storms go around us and we didn't think it was a big deal. A movie was our big plans for the night. We walk over from our downtown apartment and find our friends sitting in the park. The last tornado was a mile south of their home and they weren't taking any chances. After visiting, we continued on and went to a restaurant for a light dinner. The tv was blasted and we watched the weather carefully. It was 20 miles west of us. That's not a problem. These storms always go around downtown.

We made it to the theater and got settled in for the movie. After the previews, the movie started but stopped before the credits were over. Management came in to explain the situation. The movie continues for about 10 or 15 minutes and then stops with no explanation. We find out that it's possibly headed our way. We wait in the halls of the theater. Waiting. Within 10 minutes, it's howling outside. It looked like a hurricane in TV, since I've never seen one in real life. After the fact we learned the tornado went south, as usual but it was so powerful. Tons of wind and rain and lightening and thunder. The movie was 6:30 and we left the theater at 8:50. There was a small window between tornadoes, seriously?, and we might make it home. It was lightly raining and we were booking it. Walking/running through puddles the size of small ponds. Once home, we had partial power and the storms came back up with a vengeance. That was my close call. I didn't want to leave the safety of the theater but I didn't want to stay there all night.

It was a crazy walk home! I don't have a lot of money to give back but I try to volunteer when the opportunity arises. Below are some organizations I'm connected with tightly and loosely. Give money if you can or give time. What you have will help someone. COPA Cares