A story of love, loss and hope 14 years after a tornado tears through Lake Township
A deadly EF4 tornado ripped through Lake Township in 2010. It left a long line of destruction behind it, hitting the fire and police departments, the Lake Local Schools’ campus and the heart of Millbury. A deadly EF4 tornado ripped through Lake Township in 2010, killing seven people and injuring nearly 30 others. Among the dead were Ryan and Mary Walters, their parents and younger brother, Maddie Walters. Walters survived and moved in with her mom's sister Amy, Amy's husband Craig, and their twin daughters Abbie and Evie. Despite the traumatic events, Walters credits the support of family, friends, counseling, and a strong faith to her. The tornado also destroyed the fire and police departments, the Lake Local Schools’ campus, and Millbury. The Lake Township Tornado Memorial is open to the public.
Publicado : Hace 10 meses por Lissa Guyton en Weather
TOLEDO, Ohio (WTVG) - A deadly EF4 tornado ripped through Lake Township in 2010. It left a long line of destruction behind it, hitting the fire and police departments, the Lake Local Schools’ campus and the heart of Millbury.
It also tore apart lives. Seven people died as a result of that storm and almost 30 others were hurt. Among those killed were Ryan and Mary Walters and their four-year-old son Hayden. Their daughter Maddie Walters survived.
Maddie Walters has lost a lot in her young life. Her parents and younger brother died fourteen years ago this month. But she said there have been plenty of silver linings in the dark clouds she’s faced. And she hopes her story will help and inspire others.
The whole world was turned upside down in a matter of minutes for seven-year-old Maddie on the night of June 5, 2010.
“I don’t really remember much about that night. I think I am blessed that I don’t because I feel like it would be so much more traumatic. I just remember being in the hospital afterward,” Maddie Walters said.
Maddie Walters said she and her family were sleeping upstairs when the tornado touched down on their street in Millbury.
“I feel like years ago it was hard to talk about because it was a fresh wound. Now 14 years later, I am in a better place emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. I consider it a privilege to share my story,” Maddie Walters said.
Maddie Walters went to live with her mom’s sister Amy, Amy’s husband Craig and their twin daughters Abbie and Evie. Maddie Walters lovingly refers to Amy and Craig as her bonus mom and dad. Amy said on that fateful night, they were calling family members to check in because of the storm. They weren’t able to get in touch with Ryan and Mary Walters.
“There are parts of the story I remember and other parts I forget. I think it’s God’s way of protecting some of our heartache,” Amy said.
But all these years later, Amy vividly remembers the heartache of telling Maddie Walters what happened.
“She collapsed in my chest and we sat there in bed and just balled,” Amy said.
Amy and Craig say Maddie Walters has grown into a well-rounded and inspirational young lady with the support of family, friends, counseling and a strong faith.
“She’s got so much of her parents in her. She is driven and has that entrepreneurial spirit which is from her dad. She is soft-spoken and methodical, which is from her mom. Then she has the environmental influences from us,” Amy said.
Maddie Walters said it hasn’t been easy getting to this point.
“I definitely think I was angry at God and I questioned him asking why did you do this to me? I am only seven. My parents and brother had a lot to live for. What’s gotten me through is faith,” Maddie Walters said.
Amy has some advice for others facing loss and pain.
“Feel the heartache, be willing to ask for help and for us, it was nothing short of God’s grace that got us through it,” Amy said.
The Siglers said good has come out of their immense pain. Craig said he will never forget all the people who helped.
“Everybody stepped up to help in so many different ways. I’m the type of guy to do things myself, but it is good to let people help,” Craig said.
While some of Maddie Walter’s memories have faded, there are testaments to her family in Wood County, including the Lake Township Tornado Memorial. Maddie said she finds strength in knowing her loss is just temporary.
“That is one of the things that brings me hope and comfort is knowing that I’ll see them all again one day,” Maddie Walters said.
The tornado killed four other people: Bailey Bowman, Kathleen Hammitt, Ted Kranz and Irwin Welling. They are all remembered at the Lake Township Tornado Memorial, which is open to the public.
Temas: Tornadoes