 Posted
7/31/2012 10:17:00 AM
I feel guilt, not every day, but when I think of the destruction. I feel guilt when I see the clips of trailers ripped apart at the seams, bleeding life. I feel guilt when I remember the bodies, found in grotesque positions were finally piled in the back of a refrigerator truck head to the morgue. I feel guilt because the great tornado of 1987 did nothing but leave me exhilarated. I don’t know who to apologize to and even if I did, I feel guilt because I am not sure I could, because it would be dishonest.
The devastation was so real and the death toll so high, but I loved the storm; hell I chased the storm! I worked at CKER radio at the time and watched as the storm enveloped the city. The charging winds and changing clouds were magnificent. Daytime darkness slipped over the city. I had never seen such weather glory! My friend Lennice worked for CN and I hopped in my car so I could watch it from the downtown tower. The wind was whipping branches off trees, throwing power lines down; litter everywhere. Water under the James McDonald was inching higher and higher. People were scrambling for cover, but I was scrambling for the CN Tower. I can’t remember if it was the 24th or 26th floor, but I can remember the vivid colours and the power of the storm. I can remember being totally mesmerized by it all and wishing I could get closer.
When all was said and done, twenty seven souls were lost; millions of dollars in damage calculated, lives totally changed and all I could remember was the wind. I know all kinds of protocol were developed and the emergency alert system implemented. I know we all say silent prayers when major storms hit and gather loved ones close. And I know I still feel guilt. But I still can feel the wind on my face and how glorious it felt! I know I should say I’m sorry, but to whom.
primeau
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Lesley Primeau
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