Family grieves as it starts cleanup process

by Paula Morehouse, KY3 News

Tools

Click here for a free download of the latest Adobe Flash Player.

By Gene Hartley

  STRAFFORD, Mo. -- Tuesday was a difficult day here, where some of the worst tornado damage from Monday night is.  Some of the worst damage in Strafford was off Highway C near Missouri 125.

  One family had the grim task of dealing with the aftermath of their mother and grandmother’s death.

  “So far, I've found four Bibles,” said Jason Jacques, a grandson of Rachel Lawson.

  Jacques hopes to find the keepsakes that belong to his beloved grandmother.  Lawson was trapped at home during the first storm that tore across the landscape on Monday night. She was found alive but didn’t survive the night.

  “She was a prayer warrior.  She spent hours upon hours praying for the family and praying for friends and loved ones,” said Jacques.

  And there were always friends and family nearby.  Her daughter and son-in-law lived a mere football field away. At the same time they grieved their mother's loss, they also have to grapple with the storm's aftermath.

  The wind tore off much of their roof and left them scrambling for shelter.  It's a dilemma that many families face.  Though not leveled, it will be some time before many homes are livable.  While houses and belongings can be replaced, what was lost here cannot.

  Lawson lived for 85 years and her grandson says she touched countless lives.

  “She wouldn’t take a handshake for a hug.  It had to be a hug.  She always had an encouraging word and a smile,” said Jacques.

  Jacques did find some treasures in all that rubble.  He found quite a few pictures and some of them will be salvageable.  He also found hand-made quilts by his grandmother as well as the Bibles.

More Good Stuff

More Weather

YouNews

This content requires the latest Adobe Flash Player and a browser with JavaScript enabled. Click here for a free download of the latest Adobe Flash Player.
Quick Search

Stock Quotes

Ask KY3 module

On Demand

AP Video

Today's Mortgage Rates