Sunday, April 18, 1999

Overwhelmed by the kindness of others

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BY RACHEL MELCER
The Cincinnati Enquirer

Maureen Sheets cries after finding her dog under the rubble of her garage, right. (Ernest Coleman photo) | ZOOM |

        RIPLEY COUNTY, Ind. —Maureen and Terry Sheets say it will take them the rest of their lives to pay back the kindness they've received in the last week.

        Ever since a tornado destroyed their barns and irreparably damaged their 15-month-old home, neighbors and friends have poured in to help pick up the pieces.

        “God has to let us live to be 190 now, because it's going to take us that long to return all the kindness,” said Mrs. Sheets, 39, at her home just outside the community of Benham.

        She and her husband glanced upward each time a strong wind whipped at the layers of tarp protecting the roof. Mr. Sheets, 49, stayed awake on a night last week when the forecast called for rain, keeping guard against severe weather and water leaks that could further damage their possessions.

        “I'm afraid to look out the window” when the wind begins to howl, Mrs. Sheets said.

        The couple is grateful that their miniature cattle, horses and Welsh Corgi dogs survived the tornado — although some were seriously injured and, like their owners, most remain skittish.

        A moving van will soon take away the Sheets' furniture and belongings, delivering them into storage. Mr. and Mrs. Sheets will bring a mobile home to their property so they can remain and care for the animals while a new house is built.

        Although their experience was bad, they both realize that it could have been much worse. They are grateful to have survived and found themselves surrounded by helping hands.

        “Every time I've cried has been because somebody showed up and did something sweet,” Mrs. Sheets said.

       

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