I want to offer some thanks, and I hope this is an acceptable forum. I live in an Aberdeen townhome that was hit by Thursday’s tornado. It was scary and overwhelming, perhaps because I am alone here, but when I finally got around to seeing some of the other damage, I knew just how lucky I am. I want to say thank you to several.

My neighbors were great. We were all in the same boat but supportive and positive to each other. Right after the event, more than anything, I wanted to call my daughter in Austin, Texas. I must be the only one without a cell phone, and the circuits were terribly busy, but several neighbors offered their cell phones, dialed for me, tried and tried again until the calls went through. In particular, Carl next door gave me his phone several times and with the help of one of the police on site put a broken piece of roof plywood over a window, so I could feel secure for Thursday night. Thank you all.

Two young men from the nearby houses came right over and were giving me help: Seth, and I don’t know the other one’s name. Seth stopped by later. Thank you!

Thank you to the fire department and the gas service and to the many Red Cross volunteers.

The police, the officer who helped board up my window, and especially Jamie Emerson, were just great. I wrote a letter to the Lawrence police department, but I want to say thanks here. Officer Emerson even came later to check up on me.

My home is a rental townhome, but it is still my home. There was much less damage to my personal items than there might have been but quite a lot of damage to the building. The scariest thing to me was that off and on it appeared that I would have to get out of the structure. I want to thank the owner and management of Aberdeen, Mike, Jeannie, Becky, Jeff, Jamie and all. They got the basic roof on, so when it stormed Friday, all of my furniture and belongings were OK. They have been working so hard to help everyone, but I want them to know I appreciate all they have been doing.

I am still here. I have stayed every night because they let me, and this is my home. Thank you all for everything.

Sally Wada

Lawrence