More than 300 tornadoes hit the southern part of the country the last week of April killing at least 300. We've been asked by sister station WIAT in Birmingham, Ala., to send a news crew to help with the overwhelming task of aftermath coverage. Our Shawn Jordan and videographer TJ Renninger left May 1. Jordan will let us in on his experiences right here throughout the next week.The city of Eoline has been blessed with a guardian angel.
The Beaverdam Fire Department in Beaverdam, Oh., held a fundraiser May 7 to benefit the demolished Eoline fire house.
In Eoline, the population is about 50 -- it's clearly a city where everybody knows each other.
Although no deaths were recorded, due to its size, the town does not have the infrastructure to rebuild from the ground up without outside help. And unfortunately with its size, it is difficult for them to get any help from the state. The Red Cross, FEMA, the National Guards and all other disaster relief groups are spending all their time in the larger cities because of sheer size.
They also did not have a fire station. Rather, they had a volunteer fire department with a fire house, which was destroyed. The members of the community made up the fire department staff. Many members of this community have spent their whole lives here and remember when they were kids and use to play at the fire house, and even have birthday parties there.
Prior to our arrival, the Eoline community believed that they were on their own in the rebuilding process, so I feel truly blessed that I had the opportunity to help deliver this good news. Every member of Eoline which was present was speechless.
I had the opportunity to really get to know one of the members of this fearless city.
Christi Brookes truly believes that she has been blessed by God. Her struggles began long before the tornado touched down April 27. She was not supposed to live past the age of 10. Growing up, she dealt with numerous ailments and diseases which should have claimed her life. Christi was essentially a guinea pig for many surgeries, which are now responsible for saving thousands of children’s lives.
To Christi, God has used her to save the lives of others.
Christi is more than just a blessing to this community, but too many children who have had life saving surgeries. Thousands of children and families have had their lives forever changed by Christi, without ever having known it. Her story brought tears to my eyes. As we continued to talk she was telling me that I was a blessing to them for even coming and helping.
She doesn't’t know, but she has changed my life in ways I can’t even explain.
During her interview she began to tear up but held it together. Afterward we had the opportunity to continue to talk. Her life has been a blessing, and every day she prays and thanks God for all that she has. These people of Eoline live life with the bare minimums and never complain. They thank God for even having the opportunity to wake each and every morning.
Christi Brookes was never supposed to have children, now her and her three kids count their blessings.
When Christi spelled her name out for me, the first thing that came to mind was her name in itself is blessed. Fighting back tears, she said my name is Christ with an I, and that she feels she is truly one of God's children.
Often times I hear the question “Shawn why and how are you always smiling," it’s because every day I wake up is a blessing. Life could always be worse; I could not have seen the light of day again. And this was a virtue that both Christi and I shared. Tears began to flow as she laid her head on my shoulder, telling me that I was a blessing to her life and she would never forget me or what I have done for her.
In just an hour’s time we formed a bond that can never be broken. We will both forever be in each other’s hearts. Although I felt the tears coming I had to told them back, not just for me, but for Christi.
I am blessed to say I know Christi Brookes.
If you would like to donate money, food or other items to the storm victims, click
here.
