One year ago today, a huge, extremely rare tornado destroyed the small town of Greensburg, Kansas.  Most folks  in the United States, and many around the world, have heard of this little town.  It made world wide news by being hit by the largest tornado ever recorded (not the strongest), and only the second town in history to be totally destroyed by a tornado.  The other town to be completely wiped out, was the little town of Udall, Kansas, in 1955... that night 82 people were killed.

On May 4, 2007, not one, but four tornados hit Kansas.  All four were considered monster super cells.  And all four were on the ground simultaneously...for 3 hours.

Greensburg has always had a special place in my heart...I have spent many happy hours there.  My brother-in-law was born and raised there.  He and my husband's sister have lived there two different times since they were married.  We used to go and visit them on weekends.  I always loved the small hometown charm Greensburg had.  Full of beautiful, historic buildings and homes.  Once a place where children played on tree lined streets, and neighbors visited over the picket fence, or actually had coffee together in their kitchens.  

A very large percentage of the town people had lived in Greensburg their whole lives.  It was an agricultural town, always full of farmers or ranchers.  Many of these old coots enjoyed hanging out at the local Kwick Shop, drinking coffee and swapping lies.  All of this is part of what made it a community.  But what is "community"?  I believe it's more than homes, businesses and people.  What makes community is HEART.  This little town has heart, and from that, they built their sense of community. 

As I watched the national news coverage this week, commemorating the one year anniversary of the tornado, I was not surprised to hear the big city folks from the Today Show express their amazement...over and over again....at the goodness, kindness, sincerity, and generosity of the people of Kansas.  That's who we are....we believe in helping strangers.  We are the heart of the Bible Belt...the heart of America. 

Greensburg (and much of Kansas) was founded by German Mennonites, who brought their strong, hardy red wheat with them.  They also brought their faith and their work ethic.  Not everyone in Kansas has strong old fashioned values...but here you will find more who do, than those who don't. 

A true blessing was experience amid this tragedy...we found that we had kindred spirits, literally all around the world.  People from all over came to Kansas to lend a helping hand.  And many, many more sent donations.  Even though the town was destroyed one year ago, the volunteers continue to arrive. 

One thing America found out about Greensburg and Kansas...is that we have heart.  We step up and help when we are needed, for as long as we are needed.  We have a sense of community and pride.  We are resilient.  We hurt with our neighbors, whether they live next door or 200 miles away.  We are family.

And Greensburg continues to make history...she will be the first "green" town in the world.  Every house and business will be green.  When the administrators began to plan the rebuilding of the town, it was decided to make Greensburg better than ever.  And why not try and use the earth's resources a little more wisely?  In fact, the Discovery Channel will have an on going series about the "green" town of Greensburg.  It begins Sunday, June 15th.

And one final first for the people of Greensburg....President Bush was there today, giving the Commencement speech and passing out diplomas to the class of 2008.  Regardless of their politics, these young people knew they were very fortunate to have such an honor. 

President Bush also toured the town a year ago.  One woman joked with him as he greeted her in front of what was left of her house.  "I would invite you in for coffee", she quipped,  "But I didn't have time to dust!" 

I believe that statement is just a small glimpse into the heart of Greensburg. 

They have moved from tragedy, to triumph. 

    Headed straight for the town of Greensburg, nearly 2 miles wide

           Marine One, carrying President Bush, as he surveyed  the damage

                              A once beautiful, tree lined street

The church where my brother-in-law and sister-in-law were married

                      The spirit and the humor

If you are interested in seeing some great before and after photos, please click on the link below. 

 http://www.thelope.com/2007/05/greensburg-before-and-after.html