Sunday, May 08, 2011

Drafted

I went out early to see my mom this morning at the nursing home. She was all spiffed up and had a corsage that the nurses had given her. I gave her the card and gown that Jilda and I had gotten her and she was in a pretty good mood.
When I left, I stopped by the Sipsey Community Center where they were getting ready to feed the hundreds of volunteers who'd descended on the community.  The idea was to pop in to see if they needed anything that I could fetch for them and then head home.
The lady in charge looked a little stressed. Since this was Mother's Day, they were a little short on help. Before I could say Crisco, they had me in the kitchen frying up corn fritters and fish sticks.
Until today, the only things I've cooked was cornbread, chili, and waffles. 
When I looked at the lady doubtfully, she blazed me with a look that said -- Hey Bubba, a trained monkey cranked up on Xanax could fry fish sticks and corn fritters. So my on-the-job training period was rather short, and soon I get in the groove.
After a few minutes I was shouting -- ORDER UP!!!, as if I'd worked at a Waffle House for years.
I know that both Jilda and I have written a great deal about this disaster.  For days afterward I think we both had post traumatic stress, even though we weren't directly in the path. When people see this type destruction it's disturbing on a primal level. Seeing it on TV is one thing, but driving through these areas each day, and experiencing it first hand brings it home.
I shot a video on Friday after the tornado (on Wednesday) of a lady who'd lost a great deal. I asked her a few days later if I could share it and she said OK.  It's a about four minutes long.







10 comments:

  1. Just think, when you got up this morning you did no know how to fry fish sticks in Crisco, and now this evening you are a fry cook. Every day we learn someting.

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  2. That is a heart rending video. I'm so sorry for the people who went through those terrible tornados. Yes, I can imagine how awful it must be for you and Jilda to see all the devestation.

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  3. That is a heart rending video. I'm so sorry for the people who went through those terrible tornados. Yes, I can imagine how awful it must be for you and Jilda to see all the devestation.

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  4. That is a heart rending video. I'm so sorry for the people who went through those terrible tornados. Yes, I can imagine how awful it must be for you and Jilda to see all the devestation.

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  5. How nice of you to stay and help! I'm sure that lady really appreciated your cooking skills! The video was so sad. I get so angry when people just ignore the tornado siren around here when it goes off. Or they want to go out and watch. Crazy. You can see how short a time it takes to lose everything, but atleast she had her life and hopefully she will be able to rebuild and get married. Thanks for sharing.

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  6. Awww good for you!! And you've learned to fry up fish sticks and corn fritters like a pro!

    It's just brilliant that the community remains strong and together after this disaster! Take care
    x

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  7. I'm still crying from watching the video. So glad you posted this and so thankful you're willing to lend a hand even spontaneously. This ispired me, even though it's about death and destruction. I hope her wedding is gorgeous and special in everyway.

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  8. Rick, you are a good person! Your community is lucky to have you!

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  9. Sounds like you did a fantastic job at your short-order cooking!! In your next life you can own a diner! I'm sure everyone appreciated it! How great that you are willing to help others by doing this. I bet your mother was proud of you as well. In her new gown! It could have been a ball gown to her.
    Now Memphis is sharing in the weather trama you are having. I hope people there are as kind as you and Jilda who are willing to help!!

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  10. Although I have never met a monkey cranked up on Xanax, I still am of the opinion that it likely could not fry corn fritters with your elan.

    So sorry to see and read of the heartache in your area. We just drove through Mephis a few weeks ago, and we can hardly believe the disaster we see on the news each evening.
    Glad you and Jilda are holding steady.

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