Whuff Loc: Marshalltown, Iowa

On July 19, an F3 tornado ripped thru my hometown. It came into town from the west, going down Main street for several miles, with catastrophic damage to our business district and hundreds of homes. It hit at least 3 of the largest employers in town with hundreds of millions in damages. The homes damaged were in the poorest section of town and to compound the loss of their homes, many of the residents were left unemployed as well. Needless to say, there are a lot of folks hurting badly emotionally. Luckily no one was killed directly. One of the most iconic buildings in town was the tallest - our county courthouse. Someone was able during the storm to film it from a distance, as a 19 foot tall spire that stood above the clock tower was blown off and crashed to the ground. This courthouse had been one of my favorite subjects over the last few years. It's become a bit of a symbol in town for what happened. There is a facebook site, Marshalltown Tornado Recovery Page, that has been instrumental in coordinating between those that need help and those that are offering help, which is part of the reason why things have improved quickly towards normalization. Many people have posted photos and videos showing the damage and recovery.

Last night I was returning to town from shooting some pics and saw a rainbow appear in the sky, and immediately I thought it would make a great picture if I could get one of the rainbow coming straight out the top of the courthouse. I truly thought it would be gone by the time I could drive there but it was still there when I got to the downtown area. I could not get to an angle though, where it would show directly over the clock tower due to too many obstructions, but this is what I got. I posted it on the recovery page and wondered if anyone would see it as I did, but immediately I received this comment, which is the sentiment I was thinking of as I took the shot: "At the end of every storm is a rainbow of hope....let us embrace this promise for a better tomorrow!!"

Walt

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R.G. Loc: Scotland

It's not just a positive amongst the negatives, it's a touch of beauty amongst the damage.

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

Eloquently written post, Walt, with a beautiful image to accompany. Thinking hopeful thoughts for you, your family, friends and neighbors.

ebrunner Loc: New Jersey Shore

I'm sure that photo raised a lot of spirits. You've done a good thing.
Erich

Whuff Loc: Marshalltown, Iowa

I appreciate the thoughts Linda. Fortunately I live on the unaffected side of town. My daughter was on the very edge of the damage area and had limbs down, a few shingles missing and power line ripped out but that’s all been repaired. People came from near and far to help with cleanup. The town is a patchwork of blue tarps covering missing portions of roofs which are not enough for the amount of rain we’ve had in the last week. I feel for those folks, and with all the roofing companies booked up for months, I worry for those who won’t be repaired before cold weather hits and snow and ice do more damage.

Walt

Whuff Loc: Marshalltown, Iowa

I hope so Erich. With the majority of the debris haveing been cleaned up and removed, folks are beginning to have some PTSD set in.

Walt

zug55 Loc: Naivasha, Kenya, and Austin, Texas

I am sorry for the devastation your town suffered. This is a lovely image that hopefully will contribute to the healing process.

Cwilson341 Loc: Central Florida

Beautiful shot and sentiment! I’m sure you have touched many with this photo.

aschweik Loc: NE Ohio

Amazing shot, Walt. I know it had to uplift the people in your community. I also like the flag coming in from the right. A symbol of bravery and perseverance. Well wishes to your town.

fergmark Loc: norwalk connecticut

The building and sky complement each other really nicely. Im not sure a nicer picture would have the rainbow positioned as you wanted. This works so well

magnetoman Loc: Purbeck, Dorset, UK

Think I’m with a Mark on this one Walt, you caught it perfectly and with more feeling than the full rainbow could have offered. Well worth the effort you made and you’ve produced an image your townsfolk can relate to. Very well done.

NJFrank Loc: New Jersey

Maybe it is a symbol of the recovery. Even though you could not get the rainbow exactly where you liked, I think the flag is well placed.

merrytexan Loc: georgia

beautifully photographed ...love the sentiment at the end of your narative.

Whuff Loc: Marshalltown, Iowa

I’m truly humbled by the feedback I’ve had from this shot. I think it may have achieved it’s intended purpose.

Walt

Whuff Loc: Marshalltown, Iowa

Thank you for looking and the well wishes.

Walt