I know that it’s Christmas, so don’t get me wrong- I’m EXTREAMLY thankful today for the best family ever, the most beautiful savior ever and the greatest life I could ask for.
So, with that being said, the following statement is MY opinion regarding the circumstances. I feel as if I could maybe share just a little of the anger that Jesus felt in John 2. I may regret writing this in the morning, due to extreme exhaustion, so please excuse me if I go a little overboard.
I have never been more disgusted, angered, annoyed, and ashamed with the leaders of our country and our state as I was tonight.
At around 1:00 pm today, the governor of Oklahoma issued a State of Emergency for all 77 counties in Oklahoma. Regarding this statement issued, I am certain that is the only thing that was done by the state- an issue. I am wondering if there was any thought or preparation put into issuing that statement. During the past 8 hours my family and I, along with MAYBE 3 other vehicles have been the only search and rescue team for over hundreds of people stranded along North Interstate I-35 in Norman.
During the storm today, many vehicles were left stalled and or wrecked along the highway, causing extremely tall snow drifts around vehicles and so on causing traffic to become completely stagnet along I-35 between the Tecumsea and Robinson exit’s (about 5-6 miles apart). This caused every car along this section of the highway to become stranded, many for over 13-14 hours.
After my family and I unwrapped our Christmas gift this Christmas Eve, we decided that since our home was close enough to the Interstate, we should make some hot chocolate for those stranded and make our way to them. We had no idea what we were in for tonight and arrived to the scene of one of the only disaster areas in the United States of America that I have ever seen. It was eerie and intense.
Down the road from where the vehicles were stranded is our Church home, Journey Church, where the Red Cross Shelter had been announced. Great- the only problem is that how in the world are all of those people going to get there?!
As my dad and brother started walking down the line of cars filled with people, they realized the need. They started telling people to come and get into the car that my mom and I were in on the service road (which was opened) next to the highway. We loaded up families and children, college students and puppy dogs and made many trips up the road to the near Red Cross station.
Many folks were reluctant to abandon their vehicles. Some thought and believed that traffic would let up eventually and they would be able to move…. After over many, many hours of already being there, yeah right! A good friend, Trent Langer and a few members from his family came out to help the people stranded as well. There may have been one or two other vehicles rescuing those stranded and bringing them to the shelter. My mom and I saw MAYBE three brave police men.
At the shelter there was ONE lady manning the whole thing, while there were over 70 people and more on the way. I did not see one tow truck, salt truck or plowed during the first 6 hours we were driving people back and forth. And I wonder if there were even any at all in the first 9 or 10 hours before we had even got there.
So, I say all of this why? Well, during a “State of Emergency”, don’t you think we should have a plan? Or at least come up with one? Shouldn’t the mayor and governor and leaders be seeking ways, anyway at all to help these people into a warm place with food and water? Shouldn’t the National Guard be searching and rescuing them?
I’ve been to many other countries before and never ever felt unsafe or poorly treated by any sort of government before. After tonight I have NEVER felt more unsafe to live in my country. These people were left stranded on the side of the road, some with empty tanks praying they make it through the night in the below freezing conditions and lack of food and water. Yet NOBODY of any authority was willing to save them. Leave it to the good samaritans like my wonderful father to come to the rescue.
I am ashamed that our state could not come up with a plan to help these people, and I am saddened to know that I am not going to be taken care of if this were ever to happen to me.
As my mom and I were driving back from dropping some off at the shelter, we ran into the commissioner of the district. He told us that he was out here because he felt bad that he could not do anything about this situation. He knew exactly that there was a State of Emergency and you could see it in his face, yet he told us that he could not do anything himself because he couldn’t’ be held liable. LIABLE, give me a break! So instead, my dad and brother, who are risking their lives for these people are liable! Whatever!
Anyhow, my dad single handily pushed and pulled cars and trucks out of the snow helping traffic to slowly start moving again (after over 14 hours). Nope, not a highway patrol man (who were not present at the scene), nope any sort of National Guard, and not even that districts commissioner. My dad, the brave hero of the night.
So, to the people who have the jobs of “protecting our lives”, thanks a lot for nothing tonight. You really did a great job protecting those stranded tonight. Ooh wait, actually, you didn’t even try… And you know what, my father and those few other good samaritains that care about the well being of the people of our state do a heck of a lot better at your job then you. God bless the TRUE leaders and praise God for my fearless, kind hearted dad and the Holy Spirit that lives in him.
Anyhow, after 8 hours Travis and my dad were exhausted beyond what they could handle and my brother started loosing feeling in his fingers and toes (bad sign), so my mom forced them to call it a night. One highway patrol man (who will probabaly end up getting the credit for getting the traffic moving) finally showed up before we left. There were still hundreds of people waiting to be rescued, or at least have some food and water brought to them. They did what they could and they did a great job! I couldn’t be more proud of my father and my brother. They saved many lives tonight and helped so many people to safety. I am so honored to have such a great family to share this holiday with and I couldn’t be more thankful.
