Amory student reflects on devastating hometown tornado

out disastrous follow-up.

“It’s never been like that one before. I just thought it would be another storm that went by. I didn’t really take it that seriously at the time,” Atkins said.

He later learned that even though his family’s house was not destroyed, Atkins’ family was forced to temporarily relocate until the necessary repairs can be made.

“A tree fell on our laundry room roof, so my parents are, right now, camping out in Tupelo in a hotel while the house gets fixed — like roofing and electric and hot water,” Atkins said. “But the damage wasn’t as bad as it could have been, so that’s why I’m grateful.”

He has yet to return to Amory for a visit post-tornado.

“I think I’m subconsciously trying to avoid it,” Atkins said. “I mean, I’ve seen pictures and videos, but I haven’t really seen the wreckage. I think I’m gonna go back this weekend — maybe.”

Atkins said that he is thankful to the people who check in on him and his home, but acknowledges that it is exhausting to be constantly reminded of it.

“Last week I was in the union getting food and these two girls saw that I was wearing an Amory shirt that I just happened to wear that day. They were like, ‘Hey, are you from the town that the tornadoes went through?’” Atkins said. “It just felt weird and was just really random to me, but I appreciated it (the checking in).”

Regardless, Atkins believes that it is the people within communities, far and close, that bring the good out of terrible situations like this one.

“I think that in a time like this, where it can feel (like) everybody is such in a vulnerable, helpless spot, that having a lot of people around you that are willing to be compassionate and have empa -