WILLIAM PARKER
Lessons from the Storm
William Parker vividly recalls the night of December 10, 2021, when an EF4 tornado struck his home and community. Not fully aware of the tornado’s intensity, he sought shelter in his bathroom. Reflecting on that night, William says, “I had heard that if you can hear a tornado, you’re too close, and I was definitely too close. It took about ten seconds. It hit the back of my house and tried to lift it.” Fortunately, his house had a strong foundation, preventing it from being blown away, and William escaped without physical injuries. However, his roof was severely damaged, and much of his kitchen was destroyed. Later, he learned that the tornado had also demolished the Candle Factory just east of his home.
In the aftermath, William struggled to get help. The focus of the rescue efforts was on the Candle Factory and the city, but he lived on the outskirts, away from the main response efforts. With his phone battery running low, William made a quick call to his son in Texas, who in turn contacted people locally. “That’s how I got the help I needed,” William recalls. Volunteers assisted in the weeks and months that followed, but the most immediate and impactful support came from the American Red Cross. “They are the ones who really took care of me on the spot,” he says, grateful for their timely assistance.
The American Red Cross provided William with financial support to meet his urgent needs and repair the roof of his damaged house. Despite their help, the recovery process remained a heavy financial burden for William, who had to dip into his savings to continue repairing his home. Through this season he found comfort in the support of friends who looked after him and helped him get the things he needed.
When the American Red Cross could no longer assist, they referred William to the Mayfield Graves Long-Term Recovery Group (LTRG). Through the LTRG, he connected with Bo, a Case Manager with the Tennessee-Western Kentucky Conference of the United Methodist Church (TWKUMC). Bo played a pivotal role in William’s recovery, guiding him through the resources and services available to him. “He connected me with services I needed. When I got to the point that I lost faith, Bo kept pushing until we reached my goals,” William says, crediting both the American Red Cross and Bo with helping him navigate the toughest parts of his journey.
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William was able to remain in his home until one of the LTRG’s partner organizations, the Appalachian Service Project (ASP), began constructing his new house. During that time, the Mayfield Graves LTRG provided a camper, allowing him to stay on his property and avoid displacement.
Reflecting on the experience, William shares how it has changed his perspective. If another tornado threatens, he plans to be better prepared, ensuring his car is fueled and ready to take him as far as necessary to stay safe. William offers this advice to others: “Be prepared and follow instructions to evacuate when you are told to. Don’t believe the bathroom will protect you. If you’re instructed to leave, just do it. Protect yourself and your family because you never know how big or bad the storm will really be.”