The recent devastation in Oklahoma reminds us of what is important in life – other lives. Our first reaction in the midst of such destruction is, “Where are my loved ones?” “How is everyone?” Nothing matters if the people who mean most to us are injured, ill, or lost.

But, our humanity also mourns the loss of our stuff, some of which is irreplaceable. Seeing homes crushed like cracker crumbs makes me think of how that would feel to lose everything. What would it be like to lose photos of my great-grandmother, Grandma Rose’s rosary, Dad’s sailor hat, Mom’s silver, and my children’s first artwork? Life goes on, but I know I would mourn the loss of those items.

And I can’t imagine looking around seeing all the agony; all the neighbors and local businesses that also are hurting. Do they have their medications? Do they have access to needed funds? Will they ever recover from the trauma? How will this challenge change the course of their lives? Certainly, life as they know it will never be the same.

I pray for you people of Moore. May God give you the strength and courage to recover and march on stronger, wiser, and able to find happiness once again.

©2013, Mary K. Doyle