True Stories

On the afternoon of April 27th, 2011, the tornado struck without any warning. Mrs. Harbin was thrown from her chair to the floor. Her son threw himself on top of her to protect her. Mr. Harbin was tossed around in his living room as huge trees ripped through their home. Mr. Harbin recalled, "All the dishes and cookware went flying...it tore it all to pieces. You couldn't see anything with all the insulation and we were trapped there in the house and couldn't get out." Although they have lost all of their belongings, what they miss most are their family gatherings. Mrs. Harbin used to cook every Sunday and have the whole family there, "about 17 of us," Mr. Harbin shared. "we have a close family and I'd like to keep it that way." Mr. and Mrs. Harbin celebrated their 43rd wedding anniversary in August. Their new house is planned for a mid-June completion date, and will have several great storm-resistant features.