POWERFUL STORY OUT OF ST. LOUIS: “I’ve lived here 55 years. There was a minor accident when a tree fell on a roof nearby once, but what happened here is just awful. I was listening to the news when they said the tornado was close. About a minute and a half later, I heard BOOM, BOOM! My nephew and I ran to the basement. It didn’t last more than five or six minutes. We came out and this is what was left. There used to be a porch. A whole wall is down on one side of the house. The second floor is now missing. But I stayed safe in the basement. After it quieted down, I came back up and first saw the door from the family room was on the ground. Walking outside, looking at the whole block, I got kinda nervous. I’m feeling okay, I’m just sorry this had to happen to any of us. I had my wedding reception here at this house. There were flowers, peach trees, grape vines. It was beautiful, just beautiful. I would love to see all the damage in St. Louis rebuilt. I know this won’t be able to be repaired. I don’t think my house will ever be recovered. We’re all fine though. If I stop laughing, I’ll probably start crying.” 🎙️: Lindy Drew 📷: Virginia Harold