tornadoes

i'm guessing by now everyone's aware of the mega tornadoes and storms that ripped through the deep south and midwest wednesday, causing lots of damage and many deaths. for those who don't know, i'm originally from Alabama, specifically the Concord area, which was very hard hit. fortunately all my friends and family that i've been able to contact so far have all been safe and no one's injured, but my parents have lost their house, at least until they can assess the damage.

this has hit me hard in the obvious ways, but also tears at my heart to see images on the news of places i grew up, places i recognize, that basically got wiped away. i mean, look at these photos: http://www.theatlantic.com/infocus/2011/04/storms-tornadoes-devastate-the-south/100055/ it's so surreal/heartbreaking.

if anyone feels compelled to help in this time of dire need, here's some places you can donate:

this news article includes links at the bottom with lots of different ways to help: http://abcnews.go.com/US/alabama-tornado-2011-storm-victims/story?id=13477481

a fund for donating items, if you live near Birmingham: http://www.birminghammommy.com/2011/04/birmingham-area-tornado-relief-donations.html

a fund specifically for Alabama: http://www.causes.com/causes/608753-alabama-tornado-relief

thanks for any and all help; people like my family really need/appreciate it. and to all the people in the affected areas who may have lost power, your homes, and even loved ones, my heart goes out to you.