NCCC Remembers + Holds Space: One-Year Anniversary of Tennessee Tornadoes
Today marks the one-year anniversary of the deadly tornadoes that overtook Tennessee on March 3, 2020.
Breathe in. Breathe out.
From a March 25, 2020 report in The Tennessean, Jessica Bliss wrote,
“With staggering strength and enduring persistence, tornadoes overtook Tennessee. The vicious storms unleashed winds that spiraled up to 175 mph. They swept away homes and took away lives. They left a 100-mile scar from west to east, destroying precious pockets of Nashville and decimating the quiet community of Cookeville. Twenty-five people were killed, including five children.”
Breathe in. Breathe out.
Several in our Nashville Collaborative Counseling Center community and team suffered loss due to the storms, and so many of us continue to reel from the fear and trauma the tornadoes brought forth.
Breathe in. Breathe out.
Today, we remember the lives, memories, homes, and dreams lost a year ago, and we invite you to take time away from your desk, your computer screen, your work to hold close those still traumatized and devastated by the storm and its aftermath.
Breathe in. Breathe out.
Take a walk or drive through the devastated parts of North and East Nashville. Give thanks for the rebuilding efforts. Remember those who could not rebuild but instead had to move elsewhere.
Breathe in. Breathe out.
Light a candle. Gaze upon its flame. Know that it connects you to all the light both within and without that restores us to transformation and to love.
Breathe in. Breathe out.
Write a letter to a survivor of the storm. Offer them a word of support. Let them know they are seen.
Breathe in. Breathe out.
Give a gift to support the ongoing efforts to Rebuild North Nashville through the work of Gideon’s Army.
Breathe in. Breathe out.
Place one hand on your heart, the other on your belly, and give yourself a hug. You are here. We are here. One year later. Grateful and grieving. Overwhelmed and joyful. Remembering and honoring all that was lost and all that we’ve yet to find.
Breathe in. Breathe out.
