From Law Enforcement Today: Wives on Duty - Listening

I saw this on Law Enforcement Today's facebook page and absolutely love this!! It is written by Chaplain Allison P. Uribe of the San Antonio Police Department.

Our days are filled with schedules, deadlines, and time sensitive agendas. These obligations may keep most of us from ever truly being able to engage in a moment of making a difference. The busyness in our daily lives can rob us of slowing down and taking time to listen to another. It can affect how we listen to our very own families, and many times our very own officers. Although we seek to be a support system and encouragement to our officers, there are times we miss the mark. We miss listening. Listening requires full attention and focus. It is the ultimate form of communication. Not only do we learn more about what is being expressed to us, but we gain knowledge of what is in the heart. By listening, you gain knowledge of what your loved one is battling.
It was a hot afternoon and I was doing my daily cleanup around the house. I was cooking, caring for my baby boy, and folding laundry when I noticed my husband had been quiet since his arrival at home. He usually arrived home with a smile and was quick to jump into his father and husband role with joy, but this particular day was different.
His smile was not so genuine and his demeanor was very serious. I could always tell a good day from a bad day by the sounds made from the Kevlar vest. On a good day, the Velcro sounded quick and fast as if something was ripping apart. On a bad day, as he pulled of his vest, the Velcro sounded long and drawn out as if he was trying to take it off without making a sound.
The Velcro sounded like a bad day that afternoon. I proceeded to ask him about his day and he said it was ok as he tried to get comfortable on the couch. I did not want to push him to talk to me as I knew if he wanted to talk, he would eventually. My officer was never one to talk about his day on the beat back then, so I silently prayed for the next few hours.
Dinner time came, we ate with few words spoken, and as I began to put all the dishes in the sink, he looked at me, gave me a half smile, and said, “Thank you”. I asked, “For what?”, and he proceeded with, ”I know you know I had a bad day but I was not ready to talk about it and not sure I even wanted to talk about it. I am now.” With a dish in my hand and a towel over my shoulder, I knew I had to stop what I was doing and focus on my husband.
I said, “Okay honey, I’m listening.” He proceeded to tell me about the horror he had faced that day and although my heart was racing and I couldn’t bear to hear much more, I fought back tears as he told me about what he saw and heard. I was frozen and made sure he knew I would not budge till he was through. Although I had many questions, I never once interrupted him or took my eyes off of him. I nodded my head each time so he knew I was following him and listening to everything he had to say.
I could see his eyes watering, and noticed his fists clench as he spoke, and I could only wonder what kind of a mental battle he was facing. I could tell from his watery eyes that he was hurt by what he saw and his clenched fists showed me he was also angry about the situation. After he shared with me what was on his heart, I heard him take a deep breath and noticed a sense of relief in his face. I held his hand, smiled, and stood up to give him a hug. I told him how much I loved him and how sorry I was he had to deal with that.
Although every LEO is different and some may want to talk while others may not, it is vital to be ready and willing to listen when they are ready to speak. It is healthier for an officer to talk to someone about how they are feeling or handling themselves after any form of traumatic stress. At times questions could be helpful in getting someone to open up, while at times, it may even just frustrate them if they are not ready.
Effective listening should be learned and mastered. Listening requires full attention, it is not just hearing. We can hear noises all around us but to truly listen to what is being heard is a different thing. Are we hearing our officers or listening to them? Listening is one of the best ways we can express our love and dedication to our LEO. They walk many dark valleys, see things no one could bare to see, and run toward what majority of us would run away from.
The benefits of listening to your LEO are countless. The number one thing listening will show your officer, is that you support them. Because you love your officer so much, what better way to show them that you care? Listening will also help you to better understand what they may be feeling at the moment in case there is need for concern, especially paying attention to any underlying meanings in what they say.
As we care for our LEO’s we must remember that they need to be heard and we need to be ready and willing to listen. We may not always have the answers or solutions, but at times, listening is the answer and the solution. Our ears are our greatest communication tool and our greatest ministry.
Winston Churchill said, “Courage is what it takes to stand up and speak; courage is also what it takes to sit down and listen.” As our officers show courage to speak about what they face, what they see, and what they feel, let us be ready with open hearts and listening ears.

Allison P. Uribe is an auxiliary chaplain with the San Antonio Police Department.  Allison’s husband has been a San Antonio police officer for 10 years. She is also a chaplain with Serve and Protect, serving the spiritual and emotional needs of law enforcement, fire/ rescue, and corrections; www.serveprotect.org or 625-373-8000. Allison is the founder of Wives on Duty Ministries, designed to support and encourage wives of law enforcement and other emergency services through the word of God; www.wivesonduty.com or email Allison at wivesonduty@att.net.  She is also the lead community chaplain and student with Global University Berean School of the Bible and speaks at many law enforcement events. Allison wrote “Because I’m Suitable-The Journey of A Wife on Duty”, geared toward wives of law enforcement; http://www.amazon.com/Because-Im-Suitable-Journey-Wife/dp/1449740839

Law Enforcement Officers

I am going to do a little bit of complaining and defending in this post.  I am just so tired of seeing and hearing people talk down about law enforcement officers.  Now I have had my run-in with a few that were pretty much jerks, but not all of them are that way.  With Kip being a Reserve Deputy with the county Sheriff's Office, I have met a lot of the officers in and around the Gadsden area, and almost all of them are very nice, normal people.  I can't stand to see people post on facebook about police officers are just out to get them and "are always picking on me" and "the same officer has given me a ticket the past 4 times..now that is harassment!" Oh please..give me a break.  I will say what I always say when people complain cops...You shouldn't be doing something wrong in the first place and they will leave you alone.  Here is my FAVORITE one that I saw about cops...it has to do with the Miami incident of a man eating another man's face.  Now this is a true story and I am not making it up...someone posted on facebook that "If the cops had gotten all the bath salts off the street this wouldn't have happened. I blame the cops for this."  Ok..first of all, the bath salt seizure that we heard about was for Alabama, not Florida.  Second, are you seriously going to blame the cops for this crazy man who decided to eat this homeless guy's face and then growl at the police when they got there...ummm pretty sure I would have aimed right for the head and killed that guy on the spot.  Personally, I think this person has had too many run-ins with police and might want to either, A.) drive more cautiously and carefully or B.) stop breaking so many laws.  And the next thing I have an issue with is certain people just assuming that all law enforcement officers "think they are better than everybody, stand with their chest poked out, trying to look big and bad because they carry a gun."  People are saying these things about LEO's they don't even know!! I have gotten to where I will say "do you even know him/her"?  When they say, "No, but I know their type.", then I respond with, "All LEO's aren't jerks like the ones you apparently know...they are people too!"  Maybe I am just partial to officers, because Kip is (sort of) one.  LEO's do more things on a routine shift (most of them for YOUR safety) than you do in a week of work!  Not only do they PUT THEIR LIVES ON THE LINE every time they put that uniform on, but they are out there to serve (YOU) and protect (YOU).  Think about Officer Justin Sollohub from the Anniston Police Department: did he think that  he was going to be shot in the head in just a few short hours that morning as he was getting ready to go to work?  Nope..probably not.  Did he think he was going die of his head wound just a few days later?  Nope..probably didn't cross his mind either.  But he did, and he is a hero, because he put his life on the line to protect the citizens of Anniston, AL.  If that guy was willing to shoot a police officer IN THE HEAD, just think what else he would have/could have done to an normal citizen!  Scary to think about!  So for those of you who think LEO's are just out to get everyone, think they are better than everybody else on the earth all because they carry a gun, just remember who you call when you need help.  What if someone kidnapped your child?  Would you still hate LEO's?  What if someone was putting your child in danger?  What if someone was breaking into your house?  Just remember, if you don't break the law, you don't have a "bad experience" with LEO's. 

 

"In you the orphan finds mercy." - Hosea 14:3

This weekend Kip & I went to what we thought was an Alabama Football signing at Gadsden Christian Fellowship, "Lily Fest".  Prince Wimbley from the 1992 National Championship team was going to be there along with Eryk Anders from the 2009 National Championship team.  When we got there, they had a small worship service, and we were extremely confused as to what was going on.  Little did we know that this signing was a fundraiser for an sweet couple's adoption from Taiwan.  The tickets were $25.00 a piece and they had a silent auction with tons of autographed memorabilia.  I couldn't be more excited to be "helping out" this sweet couple (that I didn't know) when I found out the reason we were there, but this story gets even better.  Kip & I were looking at the autograph memorabilia outside the sanctuary and a girl comes up to me and says, "You don't know me but I know you.  I am Mandi's friend Missy. You look JUST like her!" (For those of you who don't know, Mandi is my precious cousin who passed away in December 2004) I was in awe that Missy even recognized me!  Mandi's mother, my aunt Barbie, always says that I look so much like Mandi, especially when I wear my hair curly.  It really brought tears to my eyes talking to Missy.  After the short worship service, we got in line to get autographs from Eryk Anders and Prince Wimbley.  While we were standing in line, Emily, the lady who is adopting from Taiwan, was speaking to everyone and introducing herself to people she didn't know.  When she introduced herself to me, she said, "You look really familiar!"  She looked really familiar to me too, but I couldn't figure out where I knew her from!  I talked to her about her adoption and told her about a family at the church I work at who just adopted from Ethiopia.  I gave her the blog address so she could read about their adoption process, its yestoadoption.blogspot.com if you are interested.  Emily told me what her's was, sweetsmithbaby22.blogspot.com.  It was just a really wonderful Saturday that I was definitely not expecting!  I ask that if you would, pray for Emily and her husband Jason as they wait that oh so very important email saying they can get on a plane and go get their sweet Lily from Taiwan.  Also, pray for Will & Rebekah from Jacksonville who just brought home baby Israel from Ethiopia as they continue learning all the ups and downs, ins and outs of parenting.  Adoption is really a beautiful thing, and I just love seeing these precious children who are without parents and in and out of homes finding a forever home! 

Behavioral & Mood Disorders in Toddlers

It seems as though more and more children are being diagnosed with different types of behavioral & mood disorders these days! It has been something that I have had on my mind for quite some time now and since I work in a daycare, I have done numerous amounts of research on these different disorders.  During my research I have come to realize there are a lot more different disorders than I thought! 

 The most common Behavioral & Mood Disorders:

• Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD)
• Conduct Disorder
• Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
• Bi-polar Disorder

Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD)

Surprisingly, 1 in 10 children who are under 12 years old are diagnosed with ODD.  It is hard to diagnose, because all children experience episodes of defiance at one point or another.  However, when the behavior stands out far beyond the other children in the classroom it is cause for concern.  When there is an ongoing pattern of uncooperative, defiant, or hostile behavior toward teachers, parents, or others in authority, this is a cause for concern and parents should seek help immediately. 

Symptoms of ODD in Children:

• Frequent temper tantrums
• Excessive arguing with adults
• Often questioning rules
• Active defiance and refusal to comply with adult requests and rules
• Deliberate attempts to annoy or upset people
• Blaming others for his or her mistakes or misbehavior
• Often being touchy or easily annoyed by others
• Frequent anger and resentment
• Mean and hateful talking when upset
• Spiteful attitude and revenge seeking

These symptoms are seen in multiple different settings, but mostly at home and a school.  The cause of ODD is unknown.

To help a child with ODD, try the following things.

• Always build on the positives, give the child praise and positive reinforcement when he shows flexibility or cooperation.
• Take a time-out or break if you are about to make the conflict with your child worse, not better.  This is good modeling for your child.  Support your child if he decides to take a time-out to prevent overreacting.
• Pick your battles.  Since the child with ODD has trouble avoiding power struggles, prioritize the things you want your child to do.  If you give your child a time-out in his room for misbehavior, don’t add time for arguing.  Say “your time will start when you go to your room.”
• Set up reasonable, age appropriate limits with consequences that can be enforced consistently.
• Maintain interests other than your child with ODD, so that managing your child doesn’t take all your time and energy.  Try to work with and obtain support from the other adults (teachers, coaches, and spouse) dealing with your child.
• Manage your own stress with healthy life choices such as exercise and relaxation.  Use respite care and other breaks as needed

Conduct Disorder 

Children who have conduct disorder have a problem following rules and behaving in a socially acceptable way.  The cause of conduct disorder includes brain damage, child abuse or neglect, genetic vulnerability, school failure, and traumatic life experiences.

Symptoms of Conduct Disorder:

• Bullies, threatens, or intimidates others
• Often initiates physical fights
• Has used a weapon that could cause serious physical harm to others
• Physically cruel to people or animals
• Steals from a victim while confronting them (e.g. assault)
• Forces someone into sexual activity 
• deliberately destroys other's property
• Has broken into someone else's building, house, or car
• Lies to obtain goods, or favors or to avoid obligations
• Steals items without confronting a victim (e.g. shoplifting, but without breaking and entering) 
• Often stays out at night despite parental objections
• Runs away from home
• Often truant from school 

"Treatment of children with conduct disorder can be complex and challenging. Treatment can be provided in a variety of different settings depending on the severity of the behaviors. Adding to the challenge of treatment are the child's uncooperative attitude, fear and distrust of adults. In developing a comprehensive treatment plan, a child and adolescent psychiatrist may use information from the child, family, teachers, community (including the legal system) and other medical specialties to understand the causes of the disorder.

Behavior therapy and psychotherapy are usually necessary to help the child appropriately express and control anger. Special education may be needed for youngsters with learning disabilities. Parents often need expert assistance in devising and carrying out special management and educational programs in the home and at school. Home-based treatment programs such as Multisystemic Therapy are effective for helping both the child and family.Treatment may also include medication in some youngsters, such as those with difficulty paying attention, impulse problems, or those with depression."
(This information is from http://www.aacap.org/cs/root/facts_for_families/conduct_disorder)

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) 

Children with ADHD have a problem with inattentiveness, over-activity, impulsivity, or a combination of these.  ADHD is the most commonly diagnosed disorder in children (3%-5% of children).  The cause of ADHD is unknown; however, it does run in families.  There are 3 different categories of symptoms for ADHD.   

1. Inattentive symptoms:

• Fails to give close attention to details or makes careless mistakes in schoolwork
• Has difficulty keeping attention during tasks or play
• Does not seem to listen when spoken to directly
• Does not follow through on instructions and fails to finish schoolwork, chores, or duties in the workplace
• Has difficulty organizing tasks and activities
• Avoids or dislikes tasks that require sustained mental effort (such as schoolwork)
• Often loses toys, assignments, pencils, books, or tools needed for tasks or activities
• Is easily distracted
• Is often forgetful in daily activities

 2. Hyperactivity symptoms:

• Fidgets with hands or feet or squirms in seat
• Leaves seat when remaining seated is expected
• Runs about or climbs in inappropriate situations
• Has difficulty playing quietly
• Is often "on the go," acts as if "driven by a motor," talks excessively

3. Impulsivity symptoms:

• Blurts out answers before questions have been completed
• Has difficulty awaiting turn
• Interrupts or intrudes on others (butts into conversations or games) 

Some children are incorrectly labeled with ADHD. On the other hand, many children who do have ADHD remain undiagnosed.  These are guidelines from the American Academy of Pediatrics for the diagnosis of ADHD. 

• Children should have at least 6 attention symptoms or 6 hyperactivity/impulsivity symptoms, with some symptoms present before age 7.
• The symptoms must be present for at least 6 months, seen in two or more settings, and not caused by another problem.
• The symptoms must be severe enough to cause significant difficulties in many settings, including home, school, and in relationships with peers.

Here some ways (other an medication) to help your child with ADHD.

• Set specific, appropriate target goals to guide therapy.
• Start medication and behavior therapy.
• Follow-up regularly with the doctor to check on goals, results, and any side effects of medications. During these check-ups, information should be gathered from parents, teachers, and the child.
• Communicate regularly with the child's teacher.
• Keep a consistent daily schedule, including regular times for homework, meals, and outdoor activities. Make changes to the schedule in advance and not at the last moment.
• Limit distractions in the child's environment.
• Make sure the child gets a healthy, varied diet, with plenty of fiber and basic nutrients.
• Make sure the child gets enough sleep.
• Praise and reward good behavior.
• Provide clear and consistent rules for the child.

Bi-Polar Disorder

This is something very near and dear to my heart as I have done a whole lot of research on this, because someone I know has a child with bi-polar disorder.  Bi-polar I is when a child experiences at least one episode of mania.  (For an episode to qualify as mania, there must be elevated mood plus at least three other symptoms, or irritable mood plus at least four other symptoms.)

Mania Symptoms:

• elevated mood - silliness or elation that is inappropriate and impairing
• grandiosity - unrealistic sense of superiority
• flight of ideas or racing thoughts
• more talkative than usual or pressure to keep talking
• irritability or hostility when demands are not met
• excessive distractibility
• decreased need for sleep without daytime fatigue
• excessive involvement in pleasurable but risky activities (daredevil acts)
• poor judgment
• hallucinations and psychosis

Depression Symptoms:

• lack of joy and pleasure in life
• withdrawal from activities formerly enjoyed 
• agitation and irritability
• pervasive sadness and/or crying spells
• sleeping too much or inability to sleep
• inability to concentrate
• thoughts of death and suicide
• fatigue or loss of energy
• feelings of worthlessness
• significant change in appetite

An episode must last at least one week and stable periods occur between episodes of mania and depression.

This is taken straight from thebalancedmind.org.  I think it is a wonderful checklist and can help identify if your child may have bi-polar disorder.

Since its founding in 1999, The Balanced Mind Foundation has reviewed numerous family accounts that repeatedly report similar behaviors. If your child exhibits more than a few of these behaviors and you know something is wrong, follow through with our First Steps plan. This is especially crucial if there is a history of mood disorders or substance abuse in your child's family.

  Severe and recurring depression
  Explosive, destructive or lengthy rages, especially after the age of four
  Extreme sadness or lack of interest in play
  Severe separation anxiety
  Talk of wanting to die or kill themselves or others
  Dangerous behaviors, such as trying to jump from a fast moving car or a roof
  Grandiose belief in own abilities that defy the laws of logic (possessing ability to
       fly)
  Sexualized behavior unusual for the child’s age
  Impulsive aggression
  Delusional beliefs and hallucinations
  Extreme hostility
  Extreme or persistent irritability
  Telling teachers how to teach the class, bossing adults around
  Creativity that seems driven or compulsive
  Excessive involvement in multiple projects and activities
  Compulsive craving for certain objects or foods
  Hearing voices telling them to take harmful action
  Racing thoughts, pressure to keep talking
  Sleep disturbances, including gory nightmares or not sleeping very much
  Drawings or stories with extremely graphic violence

 To read more, go to http://www.thebalancedmind.org/learn/library/about-pediatric-bipolar-disorder?page=all

Causes of Bi-Polar Disorder:

Bi-polar disorder tends to be genetic, meaning it runs in the family.  Over half of the children who have bi-polar disorder have a family member (usually a mom or dad or both) who suffer from a mood disorder, usually depression or bi-polar disorder.  A child who has one parent with bipolar disorder has a 15% to 25% chance of having the disorder.  A child who has 2 parents with a mood disorder has a 50% or higher chance of having a mood disorder. 

If you suspect your child has any of these disorders, it is necessary to talk to your child's doctor.  If these are treated at an early age, it is much easier overcome the battle later in life!!

Rude Behavior in Business

I have witnessed way too much rude behavior and smart a** comments made by employees to other employees in my day. Personally, I don't think that is very business appropriate. I guess being a business student I have learned a lot about how to run a successful business and just find the rudeness between a boss and an employee or 2 employees to be a very negative thing for a business. First of all, I would not want to work in a place where my boss or other employees are rude to me or smarts off to me. It is not a very healthy working environment. Secondly, I do NOT want to be put down or feel like I just asked a stupid question. If you can't put on a happy face for 8 hours while you are at work, then you shouldn't be working anywhere dealing with the public. Another thing that pushes my button to no end is when an employee openly talks to other employees or even customers about how much they hate their job and that they need to find a new job. That is not a good thing for a business, especially a new business that has just opened. So if you want to draw customers to your business, you should First: Be nice to customers and other employees. Don't be rude and or get an attitude with them. Second: Put on a happy face, at least while others are around. Third: Don't run your mouth about how your hate your job to customers or other employees. You want to draw people to your company/business not make them go running away as fast as they can. Remember: Customers bring in CASH MONEY, and that is what ALL businesses main goal is: TO MAKE A PROFIT. But you can't make a profit if you are rude to customers.

"Train Up a Child in the Way He Should Go..."

"...And when he is old, he will not depart from it." - Proverbs 22:6 Yesterday I had the pleasure of being a part of my precious little Graison's baby dedication. Graison was born the day after Thanksgiving in 2011, and when I first saw him, the tears started flowing and wouldn't stop!

He was the most beautiful baby I have ever laid eyes on. I loved him from the second I got the phone call from my best friend telling me that she was pregnant. I loved him for 40 weeks before he was born, and I didn't realize how much I loved him until I laid eyes on him for the first time. He was so cute, cuddly, and just down right lovable! I couldn't keep my eyes, or my hands off him...and neither could Kip! He didn't want to give him up!

It broke my heart to leave him on Saturday, but Kip & I were going to the Alabama/Auburn football game. I was checking my phone every few seconds to see if I had a new picture of lil man sent to me (I was waiting on the picture of him in his Alabama/Auburn outfit I bought him). I finally got the picture and I teared up when I saw it! He looked so cute!

The next few weeks, I was at Jillian's at least 2 days a week to love on that little boy! And MY MY MY how time flies. He is ALREADY 5 months old and growing like a weed! And of course he LOVES his LaLa (yes that would be me! :] ) and his Kip too...I think he loves his Kip more than me sometimes and that makes me sad! :( He would PITCH A FIT if Kip gave him to someone else or put him down one night when we cooked out with Clai and Jillian.

He definitely stole his LaLa's heart from the day I laid eyes on him! Yesterday, Clai and Jillian submitted Graison to God's will and pledged to raise Graison up in God's Word and God's Ways. They made a promise to the Lord to do everything within their power to raise Graison in a Godly way until he can make his own decision to follow God. Graison has AWESOME parents that I absolutely love with all my heart and who are a man and a woman after God's own heart. They are wonderful parents to that sweet angel and will always be. I long for the day that Graison accepts Jesus into his heart! The tears will once again flow like they did the first time I saw that precious face! I am so thankful that I got to share that special day in Graison & Clai & Jillian's, life yesterday. I love their family like my own! Here are some pictures of precious Graison's little life!

I love this little boy so much and I am so thankful that Jillian has allowed me to be a part of his life! I cannot wait to continue to watch him grow up! Graison...Your LaLa loves you more than you will ever know and I cannot wait to see the MAN that you will become one day! I love you sweet baby!

Remembering April 27th 2011

Today, I haven't gotten much done at work due to the fact that I have been glued to the computer reading articles in the Gadsden Times and all over the internet about April 27th, 2011. It does not seem like it has been a year already. This morning, I read the Sports Illustrated article about the tornadoes and cried like a baby at my desk at work. It wasn't the first time I have read that article, or the second or third. I have read that article at least 20 or 30 times since last year. I know each athlete's story that is in the article by heart; however, I still cry like a baby. Carson Tinker, long-snapper at the University of Alabama, lost his girlfriend that day. His story breaks my heart every time I hear it. I guess because I put myself in his situation. I do not know what I would do if something happened to Kip. You might as well bury me at the same time. I commend him for his strength...seriously I don't know how in the world he could be so strong and tell his story to millions of people on the news, in newspaper articles and magazines, and in person. I wish I could have that kind of strength! I think Carson's story has inspired so many people...I just wonder if he even knows how many people he has inspired by sharing his story! At the NCAA College Football Awards Ceremony when the Disney Spirit award was presented to the University of Alabama, Carson accepted the award on the behalf of the football team, and once again, they told his story and showed video and photos from that horrible day. And as always, I cried like a little baby. I am so thankful that no one in my family or any of my friends were directly affected by the storms, except for Kip's farm, but all that was damaged was a fence and gate and trees were down everywhere. No structural damage and all the cows were fine! As I sit here on this day that everyone in the state of Alabama will remember as long as they live, I reflect back on each moment of that day, remembering what I was doing that very minute a year ago. My heart still breaks for those who lost loved ones a year ago today, for those who lost homes, and those who lost every tangible memory. Looking back, I wish I would have been at the Emergency Management Agency with Kip that day helping out, whether it be answering phones, taking damage reports, monitoring the National Weather Service chat, or doing whatever I was needed to do! Now, when severe weather threatens, if available, I am at the EMA doing whatever I am needed to do. I didn't think I would be a good "volunteer" due to the fact that I have a come-apart when severe weather threatens, but while working at the daycare, I have learned that I must keep my composure and stay strong for the kiddos and other teachers. I think that has helped me the most..just knowing I need to stay strong and put on a happy face for the children. I am very thankful that we closed the daycare on April 27th, 2011, because I just don't think I would have stayed very calm, especially not after seeing what was coming through Cullman and then Tuscaloosa. I am also very thankful that none of the children or their families were directly affected by the storms either. A tree did fall a graze the roof of one family's home, but luckily no other damage to their home, considering just across the road from them everything was flattened...like a bulldozer had come through and bulldozed the entire neighborhood. An image I can still see in my head of that area is a gate...a large gate of a beautiful home was still standing, doors still locked, with nothing behind it. That beautiful home was completely gone. Everything else in the area..gone. But the gate still stood without a scratch on it. I love hearing the stories of people who's homes have been destroyed, but the room/closet they were sheltering in still had all 4 walls attached. There is no explanation for that except that the hand of God was surrounding that room and protecting that family. I know that many people ask why God spared some people but took other's lives, but God has a plan for every single person on this Earth. He knew who was going to be in the path of that storm that day and who wasn't. He has a way of working things out and his plan is ALWAYS perfect, though we may not realize it at the time. So many people were asking, "WHY ME??" or "WHY MY FAMILY??" on that day. I read a story in the Gadsden Times today about a family who lost their mom, dad, and grandmother, but they realized that this was what they would have wanted. They did were married for 52 years and did everything together..even died together. See..God does have a way for working things out. If you want to read the story, go to gadsdentimes.com and look for the article about the Wootens. It is a wonderful story! There are so many wonderful stories about the April 27th tornadoes all over the internet. I would suggest taking a look at some of them and reading the experiences people have gone through and how they have recovered over the past year! I will always remember April 27th, 2011, and I know everyone in the state of Alabama will too.