Update on Tornado Damage

[gmccool]

As some of you may recall April 26 Minden Iowa got hit by a tornado with estimated speeds of 162 mph. Clean up is for the most part complete. Probably 2/3 of the homes and businesses that need to come down are down and the remaining 1/3 will come down soon. We have both homes livable. I got ceilings put back up last week and have everything painted and am now moving the furniture that we salvaged back in place. The roof is water tight but not complete. The brick has been repaired but the new doesn't match the old. We planted two new trees. Still waiting on five windows. I'm on the list to get three storage rentals rebuilt but it looks like close to a year before I will see them done. The yards are a total mess with ruts from skid steers and bare spots. Our totaled vehicles and fifth wheel have been hauled off. New vehicles will have to wait until we have a garage to put them in. (Two are missing and one is boarded up waiting on a garage door). 15 of the 17 buildings ( ours being one) on main street are destroyed. My wife is very depressed as she looks out at what used to be our beautiful town and property. I keep telling her to focus on the positive things that are happening in our life and in others lives. It is still very emotional for me when I meet friends that have lost everything. I'm not wanting anyone to feel sorry for us. I'm just bring everyone up to speed on how our lives have been going. We are here and healthy and doing good. Hug your friends and family. Life can change quickly. Give thanks to the wonderful country we live in. Happy Fourth of July. Gerald

 

[bradley martin]

Thanks for the progress report. I can well appreciate the emotional and physical toll such a catastrophic event would bring. Wishing you and your community the best on recovery.

 

[tomturkey]

I too wish you, your wife, your friends and community the best as you reconstruct your lives and your property. gobble

 

[Tgrasher]

Can't imagine trying to put a home place back together as you are doing, I don't seem to be even able to keep up with maintenance on mine. Hope you find the strength to follow it through.