I sure thought it was raining this morning about five. I woke up to take care of Mr. Five Gallons of tea! I was so sleepy I couldn't think and decided it was rain I could hear; actually it was wind.

The mulberry tree was practically destroyed, two sheets of galvanized tin were lying against the bullpen fence and I didn't know what else until I had coffee! I dreaded seeing the damage at the barn, so I ate bacon and eggs along with three cups of coffee!

The horse barn was fine and some of the trees in the pasture were missing limbs, but the roofs were on everything. I suspect the paint pony was the first one in the barn as he is known for taking care of himself! Snip and Jack were also fine and no problems in the cat population, either. I was pretty sure the tin had come off the shed where I keep a lot of junk -- really not junk but my stuff!

The wind was still howling and it was eight, daylight and a work day. The boys dragged themselves in and looked ready for the day -- not! My close relative mentioned the big family trip they took yesterday was probably fantastic and was a late one getting home. Yes, it appeared to have kept some up later than usual!

I got the tin loaded and drove to the shed and, sure enough, the roof was almost gone off the building -- a couple of gaping holes were evident! The two boys shinned up the roof, and we had a miserable time setting the tin back where it belonged. The youngest sat on it in a strange position as the older nailed it in place. I loaded the boys and drove around looking for damage, the wind still blowing dust.

I decided we had better look at the cattle in the tree pasture, the steers, in case the trees had come apart and landed on the cattle. Sure enough, the trees were sorta messed up, limbs flung out in the grass, and all the steers on the corner and safe. I was certainly proud to see that all were there and positive after we all three counted.

The heifers were looking good, all but one. She had been sorta staying by herself and had not shown any signs of sickness that were enough to move her in and check her. She was dead as a doornail by now, and I sure hate to find money on the ground! I took the boys back to get the tractor and continued to count cows. All the cows and calves were there and no more dead ones.

We spent the morning cleaning up trash and limbs, and I was surprised we had no more damage. We ate lunch with their mother and listened to the local news on the radio. Static was bad, but we understood enough to know the town was torn up by the straight wind or a twister.

The lessons were learned long ago. Wind can be destructive, and disasters are apt to be found attributed to it. We all decided we had better go to town and help. We did not know what we were in for, but we knew help was needed. Thankful we were through here to support others.

Everyone has an opinion, and when help is needed, many fellers figure to help! Good American opinions! We will gripe and whine about it all next week!

Bill is the pen name used by the Gravette-area author of this weekly column. Opinions expressed are those of the author.

Print Headline: When help is needed, many fellers figure to help!

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