For Robin Duncan, it was a quiet day of being comfortable in the living room recliner, reading and keeping an eye on the weather alerts on television. There was nothing to worry about, or at least she thought.
But then the weather started getting worse. Having grown up in Jessieville, Arkansas, Robin was used to tornado alerts and over the years she had seen her share of storms. But in her 76 years, she never had been in the path of a twister until now.
It was late on January 2 when heavy rains and an EF-1 tornado hit southeastern Arkansas, including the area where she lived in the house that was her home when she was in high school.
When her husband retired about seven years ago, they decided to move back to the house and fix it up and when he passed away two years ago she decided to stay there.
“When the wind started, I knew something was going to happen, especially when the clouds started getting dark,” she said. “I went to the back of the house and saw the big oak tree going around and around and I knew it was a goner because the wind was so harsh,” she said.
It was then that Robin realized that things were about to go from bad to worse and decided to move to the center of the house. A few minutes later, a big tree came crashing through ceiling and ended up where she had been sitting.
“I decided to pray. I didn’t know what else to do. It took off both ends of the house and the only place saved was where I was standing,” Robin said. “It was horrible, let me tell you. The house was moved off its foundation, it was that strong.”
Robin said she doesn’t clearly recall what happened immediately after the tornado struck. She knows neighbors found her and took her to the nearby Jessieville school where she was examined and found to have no serious injuries.
“It was a freaky feeling. It was horrible noise, and it was very quick, a quick harsh roaring sound. It sounded like it was going to take everything. How I made it through was a miracle. It happened so quick,” she said.
Robin said although the house was heavily damaged and most of her possessions are gone, she really considers herself fortunate.
“I’m so thankful there’s a God above,” she said. “It took just about everything. I was able to save a few things but just about everything like the furniture was gone.”
Robin has been staying with a daughter who lives nearby, one of five children who came to help her. She said she may move into a nearby rental house until she decides what to do next.
“Really, I’m not certain what I will do. I don’t know if I want to build back but it’s something I’m going to have to think about it,” she said.
One thing for certain is Robin’s gratitude for those who came to her aid.
“I’m so blessed to have people who came to help me,” she said. “Material things really don’t matter. It’s having people who care that really matter and the Red Cross and everyone who helped, that’s really what matters.”