Tornados really suck. Probably not the way you thought this happy titled post would start, but it is a true and necessary statement for me to make to set this scene.
This is Orr Family Farm right after the tornado hit in May. I watched this storm pass right over this area and I knew the memories we made at this special place were precious, because it would no longer be what it was.
I was right. The news helicopter only captured the tip of the devastation. Luckily, there was no loss of human life that day, but many of the animals did not make it through this storm.
I think I might have told you this already, but I think I get why people rebuild in the same path of destruction over and over again.
It is not the land, the home, the valuables that make them want to stay. It is the people and feeling of home that that particular spot gives them. The people that show up there and start picking up the rubble and resetting the fence posts. The sense of community that wraps around those folks who stand devastated before the life they once knew.
The people come after that tornado. They repair the foundations and cement down the roots for other’s lives to move forward, and in that foundation, is that sense of home. HOME.
That is why they rebuild.
And rebuild a bigger and better Orr, they did.
When I heard the farm planned to open back up before fall, I really did not think they would be able to get much rebuilt in that time frame. I wanted to go out and support the farm though, and let them know that the people who love this place want to see it back to its glory days.
Boy, was I ever shocked! Not only were most of our favorite rides and attractions open, they were updated and better than ever!
There are several parts of the farm that will still need be repaired and rebuilt, but the so many volunteers came and made opening possible.
Home.
This place will be even more awesome next year! Welcome back, Orr Family Farm!
And just for random fun, here are a few shots of my cuties in one of their many Halloweek costumes. They wore these for our trip out to Storybook forest. Kaelan read the little map/camping guide for the lake trail where the event is held last year, and refused to wear the shoes with this outfit. It appears the whole “snake danger” section stuck with her (notice the boots).
