Love and Prayers

We didn’t have any damage here in Prattville, Alabama…

…but according to news reports, hundreds of people were injured and killed, and many people lost their homes and businesses yesterday.

Our hearts and prayers go out to all the people affected by the devastating tornadoes around the South, and we’ll be joining the relief effort wherever and however we can. (If you or someone you know needs help cleaning up, please let us know and we’ll be there!)

Thanks so much to everyone who sent emails to check on us. We appreciate your thoughts and prayers, and hope that you and yours are safe today too.

Much love,

Kevin & Layla

PS- Also just wanted to mention that you can help the Red Cross provide food, shelter, relief supplies and emotional support to the thousands of people affected by the storms by texting the word REDCROSS to 90999. (The $10 donation will be added to your next cell phone bill.)

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60 Responses to Love and Prayers

1. lauren says:

   Apr 28, 2011 at 5:40 pm

   oh my goodness… that map of tornados is so overwhelming… so glad you guys are okay!!

   

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2. Lisa says:

   Apr 28, 2011 at 5:45 pm

   I have been wondering about you all day!!! Stay safe and thanks for letting us know….I know I was not the only one worried about The Lettered Cottage Couple!!! My prayers and sympathy go out to those affected!

   

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3. Debbie says:

   Apr 28, 2011 at 5:49 pm

   We have been so blessed. As far as we can tell, all family and friends in North Alabama are fine – just no electricity, which limits communication. Thank goodness for cell phones!

   

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4. Debe says:

   Apr 28, 2011 at 5:53 pm

   I have read your blog for a long time but I am a quiet one. I immediately thought of you two when I saw the news and logged on to the Cottage…I am so glad you are okay. Just such a horrible thing for all of those poor people. Prayers certainly being said.

   

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5. BornInaZoo says:

   Apr 28, 2011 at 5:59 pm

   My cousin lives in Prattville. Her & hubby took refuge in a closet with their phones and laptop. Her fear was evident in her texts and posts. Her family prayed hard (most of us live in Michigan) and waited for any message from them. It was such a relief when she said the storms passed and they were safe. This morning watching all of the devastation on TV took my breath away. And then I thought: WOW! Ti & Trav had both cell service & WIFI during all of that. So thankful you all are safe & my sympathies to the families not so lucky.

   

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6. Jo says:

   Apr 28, 2011 at 6:02 pm

   37 years ago, 1974, a tornado struck my community and destroyed much of our city. We have rebuilt but it will never be the same. My thoughts are with all that have been effected by these terrible tornadoes

   

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   • Jan says:

     Apr 29, 2011 at 2:38 pm

     Jo, I too lived through the April 4, 1974 tornado but I’m from Alabama. That is something you never forget. Let’s say I have taught my children to have a very healthy respect for weather warnings! Blessings to you!
     Jan@southernjunkin’

     

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7. Stephanie@Geezees says:

   Apr 28, 2011 at 6:04 pm

   I am so glad that you both are okay and safe…so sad what happened to all those people…my heart goes out to all the people affected by the devastating tornadoes around the South.

   

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8. Karrie Gee says:

   Apr 28, 2011 at 6:11 pm

   Thought I would check in with you guys! I am up in Nashville and we were under the tornado threats all day! My prayers go out to everyone affected!

   

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9. IAMSNWFLAKE says:

   Apr 28, 2011 at 6:12 pm

   I’m so glad to hear you’re ok. My thoughts and prayers are with all affected and their loved ones.

   

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10. Katie says:

    Apr 28, 2011 at 6:17 pm

    So glad you guys are okay! We’re in north Alabama, about an hour away from Birmingham. Luckily we didn’t have any damage to our place, but several people we know did. My heart is still heavy for all those who lost love ones. Such a sad day for this beautiful state.

    

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11. Debby Messner says:

    Apr 28, 2011 at 6:35 pm

    I am so glad that you are okay. The map is unreal. My brother lives in Huntsville. He is in Ohio right now but his wife is home alone and in the dark. I could hardly find Huntsville on your map, when I did I was shocked.
    Wow, how awful.

    

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12. laurie@heavenswalk says:

    Apr 28, 2011 at 6:56 pm

    My heart was just breaking as I was watching the news today, Layla. Those people have been on my mind all day long. I’m so glad that you guys are ok. I am sending up prayers for everyone down South. ♥

    xoxo laurie

    

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13. cristin @ simplified bee says:

    Apr 28, 2011 at 6:57 pm

    So glad you folks are fine. The loss of life is so sad. My prayers go out to all the folks affected.

    xo,
    cristin

    

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14. kathryn says:

    Apr 28, 2011 at 7:04 pm

    So glad that you are ok. My best friend lives in Prattville. What a small world. I am praying for all those affected in South.

    

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15. Kev says:

    Apr 28, 2011 at 7:07 pm

    Thank you all so much for checking in on us. Our prayers are with everyone affected.

    

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16. Carla Z says:

    Apr 28, 2011 at 7:25 pm

    Glad to hear you guus are okay! Everything on the news looked so scary, sending prayers to everyone affected.

    

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17. Becky says:

    Apr 28, 2011 at 7:32 pm

    I still can’t believe all the damage. So very very sad! Glad to hear that you are ok.
    Hugs
    Becky

    

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18. Asiyah says:

    Apr 28, 2011 at 7:41 pm

    We live in Horn Lake, MS just south of Memphis. The three waves of storms and tornadoes that rolled through our area were horrific. I only slept an hour that night and was fearful for the lives of my babies.

    How incredibly blessed am I that my family was spared where so many other lives were lost.

    There but for the grace of God go I.

    

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19. Cherie says:

    Apr 28, 2011 at 7:44 pm

    Hi Layla. I was just in Huntsville, AL. I left just yesterday to attend my grandfather’s funeral. My two co-workers got stuck there at a hotel with no power. It is heartbreaking to think of the actual people who lost their lives, loved ones, homes or all three! It’s so tragic. I’m glad you’re both okay.

    

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20. antiquechase says:

    Apr 28, 2011 at 7:44 pm

    Glad you and yours are safe. Praying for those affected

    

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21. SoCalLynn says:

    Apr 28, 2011 at 8:16 pm

    Glad you are safe. My daughter and son-in-law live in Hoover, which is covered over with a tornado symbol on that map. Thankfully, they are fine. My prayers to those who have lost their homes and/or their family members.

    

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22. Elizabeth@BlueClearSky says:

    Apr 28, 2011 at 8:20 pm

    We were complaining about the unusually heavy rains at work today here in Ontario, Canada (what a nuisance, where’s the sun?!.) Then I got home and heard about the devestation. Do I ever feel bad about the complaining now, when so many lost loved ones, homes etc. A few neighbours of ours lost fences in the wind, but not tornadoes. Not loss of life. Loss of livelihood or material things. It really puts things in perspective. I am praying for those affected and will be donating to the Red Cross.

    

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23. Jane says:

    Apr 28, 2011 at 8:22 pm

    So happy to hear you are both safe and well. My heart goes out to all the people affected in the southern states. Thanks for the Red Cross info. It was so thoughtful of you.

    XO,
    Jane

    

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24. Cheri says:

    Apr 28, 2011 at 8:26 pm

    We have family in Atlanta and surrounding area …. we are so thankful they are ok. The devastation around them is unreal. Glad you are safe and sound.

    

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25. maggie says:

    Apr 28, 2011 at 8:31 pm

    Glad you’re both safe..I was worrying about you too. What a tragedy for so many people.
    I’ll be sending a donation through the Salvation Army. Wish I could be there to help.
    God bless.

    

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26. Nancy says:

    Apr 28, 2011 at 8:51 pm

    I am so glad you are OK. I too have been thinking about you throughout the day as I have watched the news reports. Thank you for the information on making donations to the Red Cross. Stay safe.

    

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27. Meredith says:

    Apr 28, 2011 at 8:54 pm

    So happy to hear everyone one is safe at your cottage. My brother in law is a student at Alabama. God was watching over he and his roomates as they hid in the bathroom. Trees fell on all sides of their home, but none actually on the home. His truck was crushed by two trees-but cars can be replaced. Others were not so fortunate-10 people on his street were killed.

    

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28. chris says:

    Apr 28, 2011 at 9:08 pm

    im heartbroken.
    such devastation and loss.
    already have these folks in my heart.

    god bless everyone.

    

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29. Alima says:

    Apr 28, 2011 at 9:11 pm

    Birmingham is awful. The devasatation is overwhelming. Many major roads are still not drivable because of trees and down power lines. We were lucky as our home was untouched, but two of my friends lost their homes.
    And Tuscaloosa is even worse then Birmingham. I have never seen distruction this bad from tornadoes. It is so sad.
    I am glad you guys are OK!

    

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30. refresh restyle says:

    Apr 28, 2011 at 9:12 pm

    My thoughts a prayers are with everyone affected by this, it’s so sad! I am glad you guys are ok!
    Debbie

    

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31. Jami at Freckled Laundry says:

    Apr 28, 2011 at 9:15 pm

    So happy that you are both safe & sound and my heart goes out to those families who weren’t so fortunate. So sad. Looking at that tornado map was frightening.

    Thoughts & prayers,
    Jami

    

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32. Design Love says:

    Apr 28, 2011 at 9:18 pm

    Wow, you were so lucky in Prattville!!! What an unbelievable event! Glad you are okay. Thinking of everyone who was less fortunate. Today here in Ontario, we got high winds , the tale end of some of those storms, lots of trees down. Crazy weather!!

    Cindy

    

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33. Grace says:

    Apr 28, 2011 at 9:19 pm

    So glad that y’all are okay. I guess I’ve been living under a rock because I had no idea about all the storms until late last night when I saw something someone had posted on youtube about a huge twister in Alabama…y’all were the first people who popped in my mind and I am so glad that you are doing alright. That map is crazy!

    Blessings and stay safe!
    -Grace

    

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34. Melanie says:

    Apr 28, 2011 at 9:42 pm

    Thanks for the post. I’ve been following for much of this year (I’m a fellow Alabamian, but currently living in Texas) and love hearing updates from home and seeing your beautiful work.

    My extended family is in Cullman, parents in Fayette, and closest friends in Tuscaloosa – all safe, but so much damage. All prayers are greatly appreciated!

    Was told on the phone by 1st Methodist Tuscaloosa today that they have a HUGE need for clean water. A water treatment plant was hit in the storm.

    

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35. tracyo says:

    Apr 28, 2011 at 9:52 pm

    So glad you are safe! Thanks for the Red Cross info!

    

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36. Heather says:

    Apr 28, 2011 at 10:00 pm

    So glad to hear you are safe! The first thing I did when I heard about the tornadoes was check on my family that lives in Montgomery. They are all safe and sound, but my heart goes out to all those who aren’t as lucky.

    

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37. Sarah says:

    Apr 28, 2011 at 10:01 pm

    We live downtown Birmingham…feel so fortunate to be untouched when mere miles away experienced such destruction. My husband works at a hospital in town and the stories of loss break my heart. Hold each other tight, so glad you and your lovely home are safe and sound.

    

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38. glenda b says:

    Apr 28, 2011 at 10:11 pm

    I am so glad you are ok! We have been really busy and didn’t hear any news until just now. My heart just breaks for all of the loss people have suffered.

    

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39. Marie @ Sally Lee by the Sea says:

    Apr 28, 2011 at 11:53 pm

    So glad to hear that you are both safe. Thank you for providing the Red Cross info too!

    

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40. Karla@TheClassyWoman says:

    Apr 29, 2011 at 1:13 am

    I just came to your blog to check on you guys ironically after hearing the devastating news. I’m so glad to hear that you’re okay!

    Thank you for the update and I pray that you’ll be able to help those in need in the areas affected.

    

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41. Terri says:

    Apr 29, 2011 at 9:29 am

    Oh my goodness…… soooo glad you guys are okay. So funny… I feel like I have just heard from a dear friend!!!
    Thanks for the Red Cross Info…. and Thank You LORD… our blog friends at TLC are safe!!! Terri

    

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42. charlotte says:

    Apr 29, 2011 at 9:40 am

    hi layla, the minute i read the post i texted to redcross. thanks for reminding me we have tragedies in this country that need just as much help as foreign countries. so come on everyone, text up! charlotte

    

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43. Ruth Baumgartner says:

    Apr 29, 2011 at 9:55 am

    Isn’t it interesting, the first thing I thought of when I heard the news were my “friends,” Kevin and Layla in Bama … Our prayers go out to the many wonderful people in your area…May the Lord’s tender mercies be over them…

    

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44. Kim in MD says:

    Apr 29, 2011 at 11:01 am

    What a tragedy…I am so relieved that you two are safe. My thoughts and prayers go out to everyone affected by this horrible storm!

    

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45. Leah says:

    Apr 29, 2011 at 11:01 am

    Sending prayers of comfort and peace..

    

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46. Diana says:

    Apr 29, 2011 at 11:06 am

    My prayers are with everyone involved. Glad you guys are okay! My thoughts were definitely with you when I first heard about the tornadoes in Alabama.

    

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47. Carolyn says:

    Apr 29, 2011 at 11:10 am

    Wow, I didn’t know you lived so close to me – I’m in Auburn and boy did we miss that one at Lake Martin by a hair. The sirens went off for about 15 minutes here. 2 of my daughters thought they had to “pack” for the impending storm and were trying to shove as many clothes in their backpacks as possible because they didn’t want to get caught in the rain naked. (????) Still trying to wrap my head around that one. We are working with “Toomers for Tuscaloosa” that has set up on Facebook to coordinate efforts here to send supplies and food north of us. Anybody want to connect with them and find out what is needed, the can join the page at:

    http://www.facebook.com/pages/Toomers-for-Tuscaloosa/127019264041188

    It is hard to sit at my dinner table now knowing that just 20 minutes north of me is so much destruction and devistation. I can eat off of my plate while another mother struggles to find hers and her children’s photos among a pile of rubble. My husband patient came to tell him that in this same area, the emergency teams were finding children in trees….. deceased. I’ve been in tears since yesterday upon hearing this. You see the pictures, but one cannot imagine the horror until they are actually there among it.

    God Bless each and everyone affected and God Bless those who are giving of their time and heart to help each one of them. Everything counts people……. EVERYTHING counts!

    

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    • Kevin says:

      Apr 29, 2011 at 9:20 pm

      Thanks for the link. Everything does count!

      

      Reply
48. Kathy M. says:

    Apr 29, 2011 at 12:21 pm

    We are in Jacksonville, AL…just north of Anniston. Terrible damage in our county…..trees on houses, power lines down, houses totally destroyed…9 dead so far!! Sending prayers for the south!!! Donate to RED CROSS to help!!!

    

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49. michelle says:

    Apr 29, 2011 at 12:36 pm

    I am glad to see you both are okay, my heart goes out to all those who have been effected. I knew this storm was bad but never did I think it would get so horriable. I am in texas where this storm all began, it got bad and we had the same thing where the storms would spin tornados at the drop of a dime. But we did not get nothing like you guys did. I dont think we had a single person die. But we have hard hit areas here where the storms went. My niece lives in Grove Oaks, Al. and she is without power cause of damage to her line. But her home other than a little roof damage is okay. Bad part is she did not have home ins. I knew they had been hurting on money but they got lucky they did not lose there home. Lesson learned always have home ins. cause you never know. Just glad she did not lose everything. Well so happy to see you all are okay. Take care.

    

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50. Jan says:

    Apr 29, 2011 at 2:47 pm

    Many of us from Alabama dodged the bullet while others were not so lucky. The fury and destruction of the tornadoes was unbelievable. Alabama will be recovering for many months to come. Local schools, churches, scouts are all sponsoring collections. Needed items include small grills, batteries, flashlights…
    Blessings, Jan@southernjunkin’

    

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51. Roxanne says:

    Apr 29, 2011 at 2:58 pm

    Thanks for including the info on where to donate. I have family in AL and I am so grateful that they, as well as you and Kevin, were unharmed. Wish I could do more to help those who are in need.

    

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52. Kim Larson says:

    Apr 29, 2011 at 3:32 pm

    Thanks for the information on donations. I will be keeping all who were affected and all of their families near and far in my prayers! Glad you were safe and did not have any damage!

    

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53. erin says:

    Apr 29, 2011 at 6:01 pm

    So glad you are safe, friend. Just so so sad. Prayers for all. Love you.

    

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54. Sandra says:

    Apr 29, 2011 at 6:09 pm

    I’m so very glad to hear the two of you are safe – I was worried!

    My heartfelt prayers to everyone who has been affected.

    

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55. Cindy says:

    Apr 29, 2011 at 11:34 pm

    Hi Layla and Kevin, I just recently discovered your blog and did not realize you live in Alabama. I live in Oneonta, Alabama and we were blessed to avoid serious damage here as well. Several friends did not fare so well however. So glad to hear y’all are safe. It was an incredibly horrific day and my heart has been so heavy with the deaths and devastation. Yesterday there were long lines of people from the nearby heavily affected areas waiting to buy gasoline and it infuriated me that every gas station in our small town (with the exception of one) had jacked up their prices. Today at our local feed store, they had gotten in a stock of 216 gas powered generators and sold every one before 1:00 this afternoon. Thanks for the Red Cross info! Blessings!

    

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56. Ricki Jill Treleaven says:

    May 1, 2011 at 2:37 pm

    Hey, Layla. Glad things are fine in Prattville. We did not sustain any damage in Birmingham, but our neighborhood was hit in Dadeville on Lake Martin. Our cabin is fine, but there were a couple of deaths down there. Thanks for posting the map, and also for posting the Red Cross donation info.

    (((hugs))),
    Ricki Jill

    PS My heart is still breaking for Tuscaloosa. They still need our prayers with so many folks still missing!

    

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57. candy says:

    May 3, 2011 at 8:17 pm

    Hi Layla & Kevin, longtime follower but never commented before. We just moved to Huntsville from northern Virginia three weeks ago. My daughter is a senior at UA. Fortunately, she had no damage at her place. She came home for a few days and we came to Tuscaloosa on Monday. Her friend is staying with us who lost her house. We saw her neighborhood yesterday and it was just heartbreaking to see. I have never seen such destruction. It is so sad here. I became a facebook friend of Toomers for Tuscaloosa from one of your commentors. They are awesome and helping so much with the relief effort. The Greek system has been fantastic as well. Please conine to keep Tuscaloosa in your prayers, they need all the help they can get.

    

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58. Emily says:

    May 4, 2011 at 3:25 pm

    Thank you! We were okay in our hallway in Tuscaloosa but what we have seen since is devastating but also uplifting as so so so many people from all over the country and state that have come to help out here. Glad y’all were safe as well.

    Emily
    http://www.redesignthat.blogspot.com

    

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