Four years
ago today, Alabama like much of the southeastern states was hit by a terrible
tornado outbreak. It was a day that changed lives forever. This outbreak gave
people that usually were not too bothered by storms a whole new respect for Mother
Nature. These storms which were extremely powerful happen during the daylight
hours giving many a first time, first hand, look at what tornadoes can do. The
generation before us could tell you exactly where they were when President
Kennedy was shot. Unfortunately for many, the storms of 2011 carried the same
kind of significance. 
People are
more weather alert now that at any other time in history. Thanks to the
internet we have access to radar on our phones at any time, day or night, and
most people know how to read them. Had the same storm system passed through
this area 20 years ago the death toll I’m afraid would have been much higher.
Technology is definitely saving lives.
Using
Cullman Alabama as an example, it will simply never look or feel the same
again. Each time I ride out 278 east, I get a sick feeling in my stomach as I
look at the landscape that was once so beautiful and now looks so barren.
Landmarks that defined our town were destroyed and are forever gone. But, with
every tragedy that occurs there is always a bright side if you look hard enough
for it. The people of Cullman County, Alabama and the rest of the southeast
pulled together that day. There was no prejudice, no black or white, and no
rich or poor, only people helping people. That day, April 27, 2011, we were all
reminded how precious life really is and how fast it can be taken from us. It
would do us all good to remember and reflect on that day often and keep that
same spirit in our hearts.
Lowell Henderson
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