R.I.P. 1997 Chevy Tahoe Joplin Tornado

Disclaimer: Links on this page pointing to Amazon, eBay and other sites may include affiliate code. If you click them and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission.

Smasal

Full Access Member
Joined
Jul 8, 2010
Posts
539
Reaction score
0
Location
Southwest, Mo
So I didnt lose anything that money cant replace. It has been a little over a month since it happened. I have a story like most here do but this isnt the place for it. My ex-wife and son were across town thankfully and were okay. Her House wasnt in path. My house, tahoe, and everything I own are destroyed. Only thing remaining of the house is the Sub floor and the 4ft tub I road the tornado out in. I know only by the grace of God that I am alive, and just like before the tornado, I thank him everyday for everything I have. Which is now a little less material now and a little more faith, family, and friends. My son, who is 2 and a half, and I are in staying with my folks and we have a 1800 sq ft basement to ourselves. I have compared it to living at wal-mart only I have a private bathroom and bedroom :). I dont mean to make light of the tornado, I am going to counseling for what I saw, and what I heard, and for the people I couldnt help that I found after I climbed out of the tub. To help you understand where I was, I lived right in front of the High School. When I say destroyed, I mean everything I had to my name is gone. Except for what is most important. Others lost more than material.

I did however love my Tahoe. I would venture to say it hurts more than the house, not what was in the house, but if you are a real member of the forum, you understand my love. I am trying to replace it, but funds are low. I had full coverage, but $5,500 for a 1997 tahoe 127k miles, with a 1 month old $2000 tranny, goodyear silent armor tires, z71 wheels, 4 02 sensors, plugs, wires, ac compressor, belt, belt tensioner, rhino lined rockers, and my custom gun rack, serviced rear diff, flowmaster exhaust, hurts. Espicially when all the work that went into it, I did myself, by using this forum. I have never done anything to a car on my own. But you guys guided me every step of the way. Only thing I didnt do was the tranny.

Its an uphill battle replacing it. but I will find one.

In the pics, The vehicle actually is sitting on my front porch. We think it was picked up and spun around. Wasnt as bad as some. But still very hurtful, I almost feel violated like someone did this to me. Thats the reason for counseling :)

FYI- pics are my son and I. and one of the tub. The items in the tub fell in after I got out in the vortex and ran for cover, only to find my neighbors who weren't as fortunate, and saw somethings that I never want to see again but I am sure I wont soon forget. This a a 4ft tub that my 6'3 240lb body doesnt fit in anyway. But I was fitting in there no matter what the cost on 5/22.

If you have helped Joplin in anyway, thank you. What I called home is gone. But i got to celebrate fathers day with my best friend in the world. I would lose everything I own again, to still be able to say that. When I took my son to see the house and truck, even at 2.5 years old, he patted me and said "Its okay daddy, the house fall off, but i get my tools and fix it."
 

Attachments

  • IMG_1180.jpg
    IMG_1180.jpg
    95.4 KB · Views: 94
  • IMG_1183.jpg
    IMG_1183.jpg
    98.6 KB · Views: 84
  • IMG_1242.jpg
    IMG_1242.jpg
    97.1 KB · Views: 93
  • IMG_1251.jpg
    IMG_1251.jpg
    101.5 KB · Views: 86
  • IMG_1260.jpg
    IMG_1260.jpg
    55.6 KB · Views: 86

Tahoewhat

Ballin' on a Budget
Supporting Member
Joined
Sep 20, 2009
Posts
3,720
Reaction score
24
Location
TX
Glad you and your family are ok. Thats what really matters, the rest can be replaced, but life can not be. It will be hard, but if you can overcome that tornado you can overcome all the rest that follows.

Life is not without struggles.

My condolences to you and everyone in joplin.
 

sparg93

Expedition Tahoe
Joined
Dec 1, 2009
Posts
1,284
Reaction score
2
Location
NJ
Chad - glad to hear you and your family are safe.

My warmest regards to you and the individuals you shared that horrible storm with. I know as you rebuild the sun will shine brightly upon you soon enough even if it does seem rather dark right now.
 

nimrodcs

Full Access Member
Joined
Apr 17, 2010
Posts
127
Reaction score
0
Location
Joplin, Missouri
I feel your pain, man. My 1997 LT Tahoe was destroyed as well. I lived a few blocks west of the high school at 22nd and Kentucky. Everything we had burnt. I'm very glad you and your family are alright. It will get better....eventually.

Hang in there!
 
OP
OP
Smasal

Smasal

Full Access Member
Joined
Jul 8, 2010
Posts
539
Reaction score
0
Location
Southwest, Mo
Thanks a ton guys. Like I said I didnt lose anything money cant replace. Took me awhile to realize that. And I know this road wont be easy. But no one said it would be.

---------- Post added at 10:31 PM ---------- Previous post was at 10:26 PM ----------

Chris glad to see you post something my forum friend. I can see now we lived very close. Everything will get better, it has too. I have seen you post in here quite a bit and followed some of your advice when working on my truck. Very glad I still can, when I replace my Tahoe.
 

07Burb

GM fan for life
Staff member
Administrator
Supporting Member
Joined
Jan 3, 2011
Posts
50,407
Reaction score
17,396
Glad that you and the family are ok man :Handshake: More Hoes will be available but the family health is number 1 priority!!! :)
 

arveetek

Full Access Member
Joined
Feb 5, 2010
Posts
165
Reaction score
6
Location
Granby, Missouri
Glad you're ok! My wife's parents lost their home in Duquesne, and my cousin, my wife's cousin, and her best friend all lost their homes in the vicinity of St. John's. But everyone is ok!

I spent an entire week helping clean up my in-law's house. To this day, I still can't comprehend the amount of damage that was done.

Casey
 

ChiTahoe

Full Access Member
Joined
Sep 12, 2010
Posts
166
Reaction score
1
Wow, i'm sorry to hear about this but I'm glad you and the family is safe!!! Good luck on the road to recovery.
 

Forum statistics

Threads
133,018
Posts
1,878,501
Members
97,975
Latest member
emfadz
Top