On April 27th 2011, My family and I had been residents of Tuscaloosa for about 2 years. I had been with 95.3 The Bear since September of 2009. We lived in an apartment off of Skyland Blvd. My son Brody was 2. So much has changed.

I remember us talking about the storms in Alabama that morning on air then keeping an eye and ear out as afternoon came. We,along with our neighbors, had our TV's and radios on. We were all pretty concerned. My wife and her sister decided they needed to go to Walmart on Skyland for a few things just in case things got 'bad'.

It was about 3:30pm when they left. I insisted if they must go, to go and come back as quickly as possible. I stayed at the apartment with Brody. James Spann was 'wall to wall' with coverage on ABC 33/40. It was getting scary. I remember cell service not being so good and I when I tried to check on my wife. It went directly to her voicemail.

Soon, it happened. around 5pm, a tornado was reported on the ground at the end of Skyland Blvd. At some point, our power went out. I was really worried about my wife and sister-n-law. I couldn't make a call so all I could do was wait. The news of the severe damage started coming.

It seemed like forever before they came home. Walmart had lost power and locked their doors. I was so thankful when I saw their car drive up. My wife said the customers inside were sitting in the dark in a circle praying. Praying for their lives and our community as the tornado ripped through Tuscaloosa.

now, 5 years later, I'll never forget that feeling of uncertainly.  I am thankful my family made it home safe. I am thankful to live in a city where moving forward and rebuilding is just what we do.

 

 

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