There is a strong element of the crazed adrenalin junky in most journalists. We want adventure with the same fervor we seek the facts of a story. I was brimming with excitement driving toward hurricane landfalls and thought it thrilling that the road in the other direction was lined with vehicles seeking distance from the storm. I cannot recall all the hurricanes I covered but a few of the larger category names were Andrew and Opal and Fran, and many of weaker power, but still dangerous. Whether it was an earthquake or a flood or a commercial plane crash or a tornado or the Branch Davidian standoff in Waco, my reportorial soul cried for me to move in the direction of the story. Only infrequently did we think of the risks.
Growing up in Woodward, Oklahoma the 1947 Tornado was cast in our memories with photos and first person accounts.
Our Junior High Oklahoma History teacher Mrs Mildred Hepner became a widow and lost her only child in it. Over 100 were killed in Woodward and entire area crushed and blown.
I started school a decade ago later after the cleanup and construction of a modern Woodward Memorial Hospital and rebuilding the County Courthouse next door.
WoW...that's all I got...just eff'n Wow...thanks for sharing this...
I share in your crazed adrenalin excitement. That crazy stuff that shouts in your ears, “ Just one more shot!”
Growing up in Woodward, Oklahoma the 1947 Tornado was cast in our memories with photos and first person accounts.
Our Junior High Oklahoma History teacher Mrs Mildred Hepner became a widow and lost her only child in it. Over 100 were killed in Woodward and entire area crushed and blown.
I started school a decade ago later after the cleanup and construction of a modern Woodward Memorial Hospital and rebuilding the County Courthouse next door.