Between the tornado and Covid-19 things have been busy for me. During the tornado it was really busy. I started 

working at 3 am that morning until about 1 pm that afternoon searching for victims and trapped people.  A couple of days later I took my kids out to see the damage areas which was a great experience for them. They were more concerned about the people not having a place to live anymore and asked me if some of them could live with us.

What has been encouraging to me is making others happy. I did feel down the first week but it got better.  I called one of my students that I use to teach back at Preston Taylor and then started calling more students. They all showed up and we went to the north Nashville area and removed trees and debris for four blocks. Then we went to another part of north Nashville and did the same thing. Watching these young people working without pay was enough encouragement for me to be stronger.

Covid-19 social distancing has also been a good time for me and my children. So far we have made homemade pizzas and gingerbread cookie houses. We like to joke that we don’t deliver due to the virus. The kids even made their own speaker box for the phone.  We have bonded through making these crafts and projects.

PTM has been right there for the McGowan family from phone calls, food delivery, financial support, and counseling. Oh my goodness, there is so much I can say about this program and staff. I love them all. I don’t like using names but Nicole, Dwight and Mrs. Lisa,  you know what part y’all played.