06/19/2026
As I sit here tonight and reflect on my day, I have never seen such strength in this community.
The amount of devastation I witnessed today—and the determination people have shown to make a plan, move forward, and rebuild—is truly incredible.
Many times throughout the day, I found myself reflecting on my own losses from a house fire 15 years ago. Those memories brought emotion at times, but they also reminded me how important it is to be there for others. I’m grateful I was able to provide support to customers when they needed it most.
I also thought back to 14 years ago when I traveled to Joplin, Missouri, after the devastating tornado to deliver supplies. There was nowhere to stay, so I slept in my van. As I drove from one customer to another today, I realized that back then I never imagined those experiences would help prepare me to serve people the way I did today.
In my 10 years as an insurance agent, I have never had a day like this one.
My day looked very different than usual. Instead of my normal routine—a walk with Ruby, a shower, breakfast, and heading to the office—the day started with a call to go, and I was immediately on the phone and out the door to meet with customers. I wanted to see them face-to-face, look them in the eye, help ease a little of their burden, take photos, and do everything I could to help move their claims through the process as quickly as possible.
I also want to give a BIG THANK YOU to my office assistant, who came in early today and handled phone calls with only a few weeks of experience. Her willingness to step up and support our customers so I could be where I was needed most speaks volumes about the kind of team player she is.
I can’t forget the people from out of town who checked in on us to make sure we were safe, the potential customers who graciously postponed appointments so I could focus on those impacted by the storm, and the customers who were unaffected but still took the time to listen and care about what others were going through.
As I type this tonight, I am exhausted.
I wasn’t out there like my husband, Jeff, running chainsaws and doing the heavy lifting. My exhaustion comes from carrying the weight of what so many people are facing—the prayers they need, the rebuilding ahead of them, and the strength it will take to find a new normal.
I thank God for the people in my life and pray that He continues to walk beside them when things get tough. Please be with my customers through this storm. Give them the strength, faith, and resilience they need to get back on their feet.
And may we continue to be Shelter Strong together.
