So many of us are hearing this question over and over..  It hurts me that it's not obvious to the rest of the world why so many of us would chose to plant ourselves, our families and our futures in a place known best as "Tornado Alley." Why we continue to call Oklahoma home, even knowing that a devistating event such as tornadoes are likely here.

Well, after the barrage of questions from those who have either come in to witness or even help during this difficult time for our state, or stated on news broadcast on news stations as far as across the preverbial pond.  This statement has found itsway to my facebook page and I wanted to share this person's status update as you may find comfort and the words you have clammering for when posed with this seemingly obnoxious question! 

Jennifer Winton Edmunson writes: 

Dear Non-Oklahomans or at least those that do not live in our Tornado Alley.... If you do not live here, please do not tell us how we should be building our schools, doing rescue, how to rebuild or question why we live here. Criticism, if warranted, is just only from those directly affected.... You have no idea what it is like to be in a tornado.... You have no idea how massive an EF5 is... You probably do not know that in that size of storm, you have to be underground and that under our ground is a level of rock that needs dynamite to get through in many places... The people in Moore had 16 minutes. 16 minutes. I take longer showers. And in that time I cannot fathom how many people were saved by our local meteorologists, by teachers, by people paying attention and knowing what to do. Heroes. I mourn with those that lost so much - everything. I cant imagine the crushing sorrow they are enduring. I rejoice with those saved. Those 101 that came out over night....And I marvel at the selflessness and generous spirits of those with whom I share this state. These people - that is why I live here. What can you do for Oklahoma? Pray. Pray hard. God did not do this to us, but you can bet He will be here as we walk through it.... You can send money and supplies to local charities. But please, refrain from "you should have's"... It compounds the loss... Sincerely, Now an Okie....

**This now concludes my kindof rant....

What would you add to Jennifer's heartfelt words?

I've seen this picture floating around it continues to captivate me.  Wanted to share!

Say "Oklahoma" to anyone who does not live here, and you are met with different reactions, from "what's there to do there?" to things like "do you all still ride horses?" More often sadly it seems to be a chain of tragedies that have helped the nation know who and where we are.

But after days of what have been called "some of history's worst weather events" some have feared we will simply be know as the Tornado State!

Yet, when you look at it...  Isn't this what really defines Oklahomans?  

This picture from Brett Burleson is pretty telling!

So many interviews and stories about people repeating "That's just how Oklahomans are". Well, here's the proof. Volunteers LINED UP walking down 4th street.