Eclectic Remembers April 27th, One Year Later

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By Tamika Bickham

Story Created: Apr 27, 2012 at 11:24 PM CDT

Story Updated: Apr 28, 2012 at 9:56 AM CDT

People in the Eclectic community in Elmore County held a special vigil in memory of the victims killed there.

Songs were sung, there was plenty of food to go around, and live musical performances, but underneath the upbeat tunes are still ominous feelings.

"A lot of painful memories. I couldn't imagine what they went through," said Mike Browning.

Browning shared his memories with the crowd of hundreds. His aunt, Martha Myers and cousin, Missy Myers were killed in that violent tornado that struck the Myers Country Acres Mobile Home Park one year ago. He volunteered for three weeks following the storm, helping this community clean up.

"God can bring good out of anything. Sometimes, it takes a tragedy in order for people to see the good in life and a lot of good, in that sense, has come from it," said Browning.

That good was celebrated Friday night. Thanks was given to the countless volunteers like Allen Messer, that selflessly gave back, and helped communities in Elmore County get back on their feet. Messer donated six weeks of his time to help rebuild.

"When I got over here, I couldn't leave. These people needed help and I saw the look in the people's eyes that lost family members and lost their homes and you can't walk away from it," said Messer.

"If they hadn't come, I just don't know. I don't know how long people would've been in shock because of the task," said Eloise Josey. Josey's home was destroyed in the tornado.

While the Myers' Mobile Home Park has since been mostly restored, what happened that day will never be forgotten.

"Coming back and seeing everybody and seeing the scars that we're left here brought back a lot of emotional memories," said Browning.

"It's just an amazing thing. People who haven't seen this and helped people in a time like this, just don't know what it really means," said Messer.

So, this community remembered together during a moment of silence with candles burning bright.

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