The Okie Legacy

"Somewhere Over the Rainbow"

SPIRIT of OKLAHOMA
(Heartland Tornado Survivors, 3 May 1999)

The Spirit of Oklahoma is alive and thriving following the aftermath of Monday, May 3, 1999 tornadoes that hit through Texas, Kansas and central Oklahoma from Chickasha to Midwest City and created a warzone of total devastation over more than 2000 homes and included 1/4 mile to approximately 3/4 mile path as it traveled continuously on the ground for 70-90 miles or more all the way to the eastern part of the state.

This is what some of my friends had to say about the tornadoes that hit SW OKC and rural communities monday evening (May 3, 1999) --

MaKelley says, "I was just getting on line long enough to let our family and friends know we are doing okay though are in total shock. We were lucky all the tornadoes went around us. But we watched it all live as it destroyed parts of Midwest City, Moore, Tinker AFB, Del City and other parts of the southern metroplex. This was the biggest and worst that anyone can remember ever hitting OKC. It is thought it was between an F4 and F5 category and it completely leveled these areas. The darn thing was on the ground traveling for Lawton OK to the NE corner of the state, and ranged from 1/4 mile wide to 3/4 miles wide. Its worse time was when it was in the middle of the state. I think the storms are over for now but the hard part begins tomorrow at sunrise. So far in the dark I think they have confirmed 24 dead or more and several hundred in the hospital, several of them in critical condition. In total I have heard that 12 tornadoes hit the area but that is not confirmed as of yet. Nite to all and please pray for all the victims of this tragic day."

"When you walk through a storm, Hold your head up high, And don't be afraid of the dark. At the end of a storm, There's a golden sky, And the sweet silver song of a lark. Walk on through the wind, Walk on through the rain, Though your dreams be tossed and blown.. Walk on, walk on, with hope in your heart, And you'll never walk alone -- Walk on, walk on, with hope in your heart, And you'll never walk alone -- You'll never walk alone. " -- "You Will Never Walk Alone"

The Spirit of America is shown through the constant unity of volunteers working and pulling together from all around the world to contribute what they can for the survivors in Tennessee, Georgia, Kansas, Texas, Oklahoma and the small, rural communities that were hit so hard by the May 1999 Tornadoes.

It's like Dorothy, Scarecrow, Tinman and Lion in the "Wizard of Oz" -- Each were devastated and searching for something in their lives that they thought they had lost due to the disasters and doldrums of every day life. They only had to look inside of themselves to discover that they always had what it took to become a survivor... A Brain, Courage, a Heart, and the Love of Family and Community.

It is incredible -- It amazes and delights me to see neighbors helping neighbors in times like these. There are so many good people in this world who give unselfish and unconditional support to those in need.... It just makes you proud.

This time of season in Oklahoma, Texas, Kansas and the Heartland can be very devastating to lots of us here in "Tornado Alley". Our Oklahoma Heartland Compassion and prayers goes out to those in Tennessee and Georgia who are getting pounding with the storms that have passed through Oklahoma, Kansas and Texas.

It all has brought a special respect for our Oklahoma weathermen, volunteers, families, neighbors and friends pulling together helping others to become survivors. The Spirit of Oklahoma is what makes this state the "Heartland" that it is.

I found this information while searching for information on the American Red Cross. People who wish to help the American Red Cross meet the needs of those hit so hard by these tornadoes and other disasters can make a donation to the "American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund" by calling 800-HELP-NOW. Contributions to the "Disaster Relief Fund" may also be sent to local American Red Cross chapters or to the American Red Cross, P.O. Box 37243, Washington, D.C. 20013. Internet users can make a secure online credit card contribution by visiting http://www.redcross.org.

The "Red Cross", "Feed the Children", other volunteers and community organizations pulling and working together in the "Spirit of Oklahoma" is what makes this such a Heartland of great people. Is this a great state ... or What? !

All you Mothers out there, this one is for you. - "God could not be everywhere and therefore he made mothers." -- Jewish proverb.

In the Spirit of Oklahoma -- Any of you Freedom and Woods County Oklahomans out there... Can you help these family historians that are searching for their ancestors:

Gwyn mailto:BalcomCny@aol.com searching the surnames: LINTON, BARNES: -- "James LINTON and Mary BARNES LINTON may have lived around White Horse in Woods County, OK. They parented a number of children one of whom was named Sonny. Mary BARNES is the sister of my husband's grandmother; we are trying to find all siblings and their families. Mary BARNES LINTON is a recent discovery and I trying to located family in the hope we may find more history on the BARNES family. Mary had siblings by the names of Sallie Barnes Story - Hector, AR, Wm Greene Barnes - Yukon, OK, Rosetta Barnes Lawley - Johnston, Co., OK, James Barnes - England, AR."
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Chris Karr mailto:cdkarr@cmc.net, searching Surnames: ROMIG, PEARCE, BOSWORTH, MIX: -- "I am searching for information on David and Jane (PEARCE, BOSWORTH) ROMIG who lived in the area called Whitehorse in Woods County. She was last known alive in 1902. Also looking for information on her granddaughter, Alice BOSWORTH, who married Charles A. MIX. They were living in Haskew, Woods Co., OK between 1900 and 1915 before re-marrying Emil RAASCHE. Looking for any leads."
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