By April Camp

Karen Hudson didn’t return to her damaged home until Easter Sunday, two days after the 2009 storm. She couldn’t believe how unrecognizable her neighborhood had become.

“It was like a jungle,” Karen said of the scene.

Karen and her family left Murfreesboro early Friday morning bound for Indiana to see her eldest daughter, Melissa, perform in a voice recital. That evening, Karen sets up tables, prepared punch and put out cookies for the reception following the recital. Karen called to her son, Daniel, and youngest daughter, Sarah, to help her finish setting.

“Mom, a tornado just hit Murfreesboro,” Daniel cried out.

Karen was stunned and immediately concerned. She tried to set aside her worry to focus on her daughter’s recital, until her husband, Roger, received a text message about the damage from a neighbor.
Roger and Daniel decided to leave after the recital.

“It’s really different mom,” Daniel told his mother after arriving at the home.

She found out how different on Sunday when she returned.
Slowly driving down Broad Street, Karen said her eyes filled with tears. She saw businesses destroyed and was concerned about what she would find when she got home. Beyond her belongings, Karen ached with concern for her neighbors and community who had been here and endured the tornado.

The Hudson’s home was livable, but the damage was immense, about $60,000. There were holes in windows and a brick retaining wall had caved.
Easter Sunday is usually a time when many people put on their best clothing for church and have a big meal with family, but in Murfreesboro on Easter Sunday 2009, friends and strangers came to help the Hudsons and their neighbors. Vans unloaded volunteers and restaurants brought food and water.

“It was the most amazing Easter ever. I saw Christ in action,” Karen said.

Nearly eight months passed before the Hudson’s home was restored, but the Hudsons did not complain. “I know people got it worse that the Hudson family,” Karen said softly.

Some good things came out of the tornado disaster for the Hudson family. They received several upgrades including an outdoor fireplace, and a new pen for Jack and Rudy, their beloved four-legged friends. Their neighborhood has come together since the tragic even last year. They had a community picnic that may become an annual affair.

They even invite old neighbors who have moved on to come and celebrate good neighbors who helped each other during a difficult time.