When Massachusetts welcomed us to our hotel with free live music in the parking lot, I knew that Springfield would indeed put a little more “spring” in our step.

These convenient acoustic tunes only whetted our appetite for more entertainment, which then greeted us in the form of a pop rock singer who had composed an aha moment jingle and an Elvis impersonator in our Airstream.

After recording remarkable stories by the Basketball Hall of Fame, the crew was thrilled to have the opportunity to partner with the local Salvation Army in a service project. Our relief efforts aided the recent tornado victims with food and supplies. We were so grateful to experience firsthand the power of community to overcome disaster.

Thank you Springfield for an incredible 3 days!

-Natalie

The only word to describe the devastation from the tornados in Springfield, Massachusetts is “unreal.”

Photos and video don’t emphasize the extent of the disaster. Fortunately, the Springfield residents were incredibly strong and have such a cohesive community. We had the opportunity to learn first hand from Major Tom of The Salvation Army about the tornadoes, the relief effort, and the awesome Springfield community. 

-Ben

Let me tell you what it was like to stand at the heel of a natural disaster.

When the June 1 tornados ripped through Springfield, Ma, the Mutual of Omaha aha moment tour was captivated by the reports, coverage, and horrific photos that were coming out of the area. Having a tour stop there a few weeks later, it felt like we stepped into a 60 Minutes special or a glossy coffee table photo book about tornado alley.

What we saw, though not extreme compared to the destruction weeks prior, was surreal. One memory still stands out: a house (not pictured), standing roofless, had also lost the front walls of its second story. Gone. A life-size dollhouse, you could see right into it. There were two red sweaters hanging in one of the bedroom closets and in the room next to it, a lonely ironing board standing erect complete with the iron propped up on top. The lone survivors of the former home-turned-museum exhibit.

One week later I am wondering how this landed with me. I guess it made me realize that, really, anything can happen. If you’re like me, you feel insulated—like tornados and losing your house while ironing, won’t happen to you. But they do happen. Springfield is no different from my hometown or yours.

Just some candid thoughts from the road,

Jess