JOPLIN, Mo.-Cindy Atteberry may move into her new home in time for Christmas, but it will never replace what she lost when tornadoes devastated this town last May.
The deadly tornado that cut a path of destruction here more than a mile wide almost claimed the life of the CEO of the $24-million Joplin Metro CU as it destroyed her home. She spoke with Credit Union Journal about the rebuilding process.
"We really needed another home. The one we had for the last 17 years was a tri-level and it had a lot of stairs. I have a bad back and arthritis and the new house is a ranch, something my husband and I have been talking about eventually moving into for our golden years. So I guess you could say the new home is something good to come out of the tornado-good, that is, if losing everything you ever owned is worth that."
Atteberry's home and possessions were swept away as she and her husband took shelter with in a secure room in her basement. She said (
For many reasons, Atteberry said. "There are just so many things you need to replace, things you never think of, too. We just had to buy jackets, boots, and gloves for the winter. As things come up, you realize you don't have what you need and then have to run out and get them."
Atteberry won't be able to replace her wedding ring that was in a jewelry box when the tornado struck, and for the holidays, Christmas ornaments that have been in her family for years won't be on the tree.
"My husband made ornaments out of Mason jar lids. Those are gone along with all the other decorations we had."
Atteberry is anxious to get into her new home, and not just to start over. She wants to shorten her long drive to the credit union. "The rental is a bit father away from work than I like, but it was not easy finding a place to stay with all the displaced families. The town will be happy when this is all over. The city has done a great job to pick itself up after the destruction, but there is still a long way to go."
