As you can imagine, that means the hectic nature of my life began. As a reporter, some of the most difficult, yet thrilling times come from disaster. I know that's hard for some people to understand, but it's true.
While I can understand that some see the media as a pest, we are a mouthpiece too. I've also been told before by victims of disaster that it was therapeutic for them to talk about what has happened.
I'll be honest, I teared up a few times during some of these interviews.
It also stirred up my fear of tornadoes.
Here's some photos from the Albert Lea Tribune's Web site, taken by myself and my co-workers. Some loaded smaller than others. To view more, go to www.albertleatribune.com.
Here's a photo of one of the tornadoes right outside of Albert Lea. This was taken by a Mason City Globe Gazette reporter.
In the foreground is this family's basement/foundation. In the back is the house, which has been completely lifted and then set back down next to it. My editor took this Thursday evening after the tornadoes struck in Alden, Minn.
This guy (at right) has lived in his house all of his life (40-some years). It was destroyed Thursday evening. I took this photo at about 6:30 a.m. Friday.
Amazingly enough, his flag was still standing, even though his house was destroyed.
Today, Jason and I volunteered at the Salvation Army for a few hours to help make sandwiches for volunteers to take out to people who've lost their homes or to people who are helping in the cleanup process. It may not be much, but hopefully it will lighten someone's load.
