Thank you for help after tornado

To the editor:

It has been nearly a year since the freak fall tornado touched down in Jay and nearby counties.

Our home and property were in the direct path of the storm and our life, as we knew it, was dramatically changed. We lost 75 mature trees, and our home was left unlivable.

Luckily, we were not at home when the tornado hit, as was the case with some of the other victims, and for that, we thank God. We also thank Him for protecting our family and neighbors who were in their homes and basements during this unforgettable experience. No injuries or loss of life occurred during this power-packed storm. That is a miracle in itself.

The people that God immediately placed before us were more blessings to us; our wonderful family, friends and neighbors who showed up that dark, gloomy evening to help and make sure we were all right, and the “new” friends (other displaced victims) we shared our breakfasts with at our hotel during that first week. It was comforting to share our storm stories, tears and even laughter among such good people.

The following days, our support group grew to include: teachers and students who were able to help because of school cancellation, co-workers, our children and their co-workers and friends who took vacation days to assist us, our caring insurance agent, a trusted contractor to assess our home damage, Amish neighbors with food for the workers, FEMA, Red Cross, United Way and even the sincere and kind words from an out-of-state electric linesman. All of them were angels of hope, some wearing work gloves and bringing chainsaws, tractors and heavy equipment.

We spent the next 11 months in the caring community of Fort Recovery while our new home was being built. There, we were welcomed warmly by relatives, good friends and our church family. We are grateful for the experience and have many good memories from our time there. Again, another God-sign that we stayed in a town with the word “recover” in it, because that is what we did.

So, for those of you who helped us with the packing, clean-up, retrieval and storage of our salvageable items, moving, donations of money, gift cards, food, painting, hugs, a listening ear and especially prayers, we say a big thank you. God showed us his loving care and mercy through the hands of so many good people. Even a simple comment of “How is it going? How are you doing?” was appreciated. We will try to pay your kindness forward to others who are in need.

A special thanks to Phil and Tracy Laux, Jake and Mike Link and Mel Heitkamp and Sons Builders, Ace of Trades and Guy Tressler Excavating — all of them made our vision become a reality.

A house is just a structure that gives shelter. Home is a “feeling” that you are where you belong, a place to rest, relax, grow and gather. And, as Dorothy Gale from Kansas said in an iconic movie, “there’s no place like it.”

With thanks and gratitude,

Dave and Jane Reinhart,

Rural Portland