When I went to
Brimfield State Forest I thought there would be some damage from the
tornado last year. I was not prepared for what I saw when I got there.
I'd never been to this forest and I immediately felt I'd missed
something wonderful that I will never get another chance to see. The
devastation done by that tornado is so great that the forest will not be
able to recover in my lifetime. I am certain of this and it makes me
very sad...brings tears to my eyes.
Of
course we knew about the tornado. We all watched the news and knew
there were areas hit really hard. The section of Springfield where the
animal shelter stands is still looking like a bombed out,
war ravaged area...even now, a year later. I've noticed some new
building and repair is beginning to take place but more buildings were
simply torn down and now seem to represent a sad end to some historic
old buildings. I am continually struck by the stark reality of the
destruction that currently represents the main street area now. It
disturbs me every time I drive through there on my way to the shelter
but I can't explain why exactly. It just seems wrong that it can't be
taken back...we don't get a do over with this...and the ability to 'fix'
it and make it all better, that magical ability that we believed in
when we were children, isn't represented here...just isn't possible.
But
as terrible as that may be it's the loss of Brimfield State Forest that
hurts the most. Buildings can be rebuilt for the most part..not so for
forests. I never fully
appreciated the level of violence that must have been in play to do
this to a forest, the terror felt by the people and animals of that town
caught in the path of that tornado. You have to see it for yourself,
walk around the area, to get the full impact of loss.
I'm
hoping that when most of the dead trees and debris are cleared away,
that they might have 'a planting' party of some kind. A replanting of
trees in the devastated areas. I'd like to be a part of that.
If you'd like to read an accounting from a writer (Sean Solomon )that
grew up in the area...get his perspective on the disaster...this is a
link to his article in 'The Sanguine Root'.
http://www.thesanguineroot.com/?p=833
