CAMILLA - Edmond OK

So we made the trek to Oklahoma, contrary to the advice of those who warned me of the current weather conditions and threats of tornados.  My stupidity never ceases to land me in compromised situations and dumbfounded reactions by others when I tell them of our whereabouts. 




Shiloh, Ryder, Choice, Tate, and Juliann



Juliann, Tate, Shiloh, Choice, and Ryder

Regardless of the less than desirable forecast, the visit we made with a dear lady in Edmond Oklahoma was worth any bad weather we may have faced.  Camilla was an inspiration.  She had a tenderness and genuine nature that brought immediate comfort upon entering her home.  Her smile lit up the room and she welcomed us in for a visit to share with us what motivated her donation to the families of the Granite Mountain Hotshots.  Before long, we were all moved, touched, and inspired by her spirit and her example of courage and thoughtfulness.

Juliann and Camilla

Camilla is an Oklahoma native.  She has seen devastation and tragedy in her home state and could relate in many ways to the turmoil that came into our Arizona hearts in June of 2013. Camilla shared with us how much the Oklahoma City bombing on April 19, 1995 affected her.  Her son and daughter-in-law even donated their time to serve the families of those who lost loved ones that fateful day.  Emotionally, she recounted those events and the details of the lovely memorial built in honor of the lives horrifically lost.  I learned that 19 children were killed in the bombing that day...19!  That number was reoccurring, not only by the group of children, but the day in which the bombing took place.  Another tidbit that, for me, connected this tragedy to Yarnell.   

Ryder, Camilla and Shiloh

Sweet Camilla has a second cousin who lives in the Yarnell / Peeple's Valley area.  On June 30, 2013, she received a call from her cousin who was devastated by the events that took place.  His home was saved by the hotshots.  Camilla spoke quietly through her tears as she shared her cousin's story with us.  His gratefulness to the crew for saving his home, coupled with his heartbreak over them perishing in the same blaze they conquered on his behalf, was the motivating factor in Camilla reaching out.  My heart swelled within my chest as I embraced Camilla and thanked her for her courage in sharing her family's story with us.  The raw emotion was palpable in the room as she talked of the fire as well as the Oklahoma bombing.  Amidst these feelings, I said to her... "It appears that your life has never been the same since the bombing took place 20 years ago."  She replied with, "No.  And yours never will be either."  Her insight was spot on and could come only from someone who has endured a very real tragedy.  She has courageously worked through sorrow and is stronger because of it.  I pray that I will be able to share my story in a powerful and inspiring way with others someday as she did with us today.  God bless you Camilla, and your sweet family.

We felt a strong need to pay our respect to those who paid the price on April 19, 1995.  Pulling up to the memorial was a flashback to the tokens left at the fence in front of Station 7 after our boys passed away.  There were beautiful mementos and tokens of appreciation and condolences left along the fence out front of the memorial.  These beautiful words were etched into the stone on the front of the entry way...WE COME HERE TO REMEMBER THOSE WHO WERE KILLED, THOSE WHO SURVIVED AND THOSE CHANGED FOREVER.  MAY ALL WHO LEAVE HERE KNOW THE IMPACT OF VIOLENCE.  MAY THIS MEMORIAL OFFER COMFORT, STRENGTH, PEACE, HOPE AND SERENITY.


Oklahoma City Bombing Memorial

Tate, Juliann, Choice, Ryder, and Juliann

Juliann and Choice

We are all connected, as human beings on this journey called life, as survivors of tragedy and pain, as ambassadors for good, as citizens of a magnificent country that provides freedom, and as souls in pursuit of a better tomorrow.  We wanted to leave our mark of encouragement at this humbling site.  Ryder placed a Be Better Band on the fence.



Ryder placing Be Better Band



Be Better Band left on Oklahoma City Bombing Memorial Fence

We were grateful that Camilla had explained the significance of the various parts of this memorial.  The wall on the West side has the time 9:01 etched on it.  The wall on the East side (shown behind us in the photo below) shows 9:03. Separating the two walls is a shallow reflecting pool. We learned from Camilla that the bomb went off at 9:02 (the time represented by the water).  It is a powerful reminder of how everything can change in a minute.  This incredibly profound concept is one that we have a cruel reminder of every waking day that we spend without our loved ones.  The blaze took but a moment to engulf our boys, claim their lives, and forever change ours...a single minute. 



Tate, Ryder, Shiloh, Choice, and Juliann

I love, sympathize with, and admire those who are affected by random acts of violence.  Timothy McVeigh killed 168 people and injured 680 others in that horrific and violent act.  The selflessness and incredible compassion it would take to offer forgiveness in an event like that is incomprehensible to me.  I consider it a blessing that mother nature was the cause of the fire that forever changed our lives and that we are not carrying the weight required to offer forgiveness.  A true measure of character and integrity can be found in these individuals who forgive.  I commend you, I celebrate you, I am in awe of your goodness.  You are Spreading The Better!

Shiloh, Juliann, Tate, Ryder, and Choice

There are 168 chairs placed methodically on the lawn at the North side of the monument.  One chair for each life lost in the bombing.  They are placed in rows based upon the floors that the individuals were on when the bombing occurred.  The smaller chairs are for the children who were in the day care on the first floor. It is a difficult task as a mother to explain to your young kids that even children can fall subject to violent acts, resulting in death.  I want them to live jubilantly and without fear, yet it is important that they understand that each and every day of their lives is a gift. 

Choice, Shiloh, Ryder, Tate, and Juliann


For those wondering about the tornados, yes...we were there.  Now that we are out of the danger zone, I'll share some photos of the street where we stayed. I should say right up front, we are all okay and had no damage to ourselves or anything we brought with us.  Unfortunately, for many residents of Oklahoma City, they had a different outcome. 




Oklahoma City tornado destruction

Oklahoma City tornado destruction

Oklahoma City tornado destruction

 

Oklahoma City tornado destruction

Oklahoma City tornado destruction

If the opportunity presents itself and you are able, please reach out and help those who were affected by these natural disasters.  They have a difficult road ahead to repair their lives and return to their daily routines.  There are always opportunities to serve if we look outward.  There are inevitably people in each of our communities who are struggling.  There is a talent or gift within you that will bless them in their time of need.  Every small act of kindness builds on top of the other and forms a new, solid foundation upon which the survivor can recreate themselves.  I am a walking testament of this.  It is the very force that drives this tour to Spread the Better. 

After all, you never know what angelic faces are behind each sad news story you hear about...



Choice, Ryder, Tate, and Shiloh

Ryder, Tate, Choice, Juliann, Shiloh

GOD BLESS YOU OKLAHOMA CITY! We wish you a speedy recovery.