We get a lot of stormy weather in Nebraska especially the months of April, May, June and sometimes end of August and September.  When I was a kid, my parents made my sisters and I hang out in the basement until the storm was over.  I remember some nights we would just sleep in the basement.  Now as an adult,  I like the thrill of being outside and watching the clouds roll in, especially when it is still warm and humid outside.  However, when it starts to rain, that is when I will go inside. 

In high school our area of Nebraska had a huge tornado that everyone calls the Hallam Tornado or the Norris Tornado.  The tornado took out a whole town of about 300 residents and destructed more than half a school district school building called Norris.  I have known several people who have been affected by a tornado and it’s sad to see and hear what everyone has to deal with when they lose everything to mother nature.  Last year my friend Hannah and her family were affected by the Joplin tornado and she made a good point; “It’s just stuff.” 

Around this time of year I begin to think about all the stuff I have and what I would do if I lost everything in a tornado, then I always begin to think about Hannah’s quote.  My stuff would always be replacable and I know I have plenty of loved ones such as friends and family that would help me out if something horrific were to occur.

I challenge everyone to take the time and if you live in or near an area that is affected by a tornado, volunteer your time when you have available time and lend a helping hand.  Whether you can help clean up a town by picking up tree branches, help by donating food and serving food to people who were displaced from their houses, or donate household items that you don’t need anymore.  Anyway you can help make difference, I am sure the people of that community would feel appreciated.  Storm clean ups can take weeks to clean up everything, so even if you don’t have the immediate time, then find the time in the next few days to lend a hand.  I have volunteered my time a few times for storm clean ups and not only will the victims appreciate, but it always makes me feel happy to put joy back into other peoples’ hearts.