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Thursday, November 27, 1997
Jarrell residents reflect on thankfulness
DALLAS (AP) -- The first holiday season since a devastating
tornado struck the city of Jarrell is providing a moment of reflection
for residents.
Thanksgiving falls on the six-month anniversary of the day
when twisters flattened parts of Jarrell, killing 27 people.
Last week, 300 people jammed the school cafeteria for what
was billed as "The First Thanksgiving Dinner" in the
Interstate 35 community of commuters, farmers and ranchers.
Thanking the thousands of churches, charitable organizations
and individuals who spent their time and money to help a shattered
Texas town was the goal.
"We've come a long way because we've been helped by so
many people," said Dianne Johns, chairwoman of the Jarrell
Recovery Board, which collected donations for the needy. "We
are trying to recognize them."
Sylvia Gaswint brought framed photographs of her daughter,
Bernice Gower, and grandson, Brian Gower. The tornado killed them
both.
She tearfully told a story of how her daughter and grandson
died in each other's arms.
"Their bodies were intact," she said. "And that
was something to be thankful for, too."
Since the disaster, insurance and charity have financed new
homes, put new trees in the yards and paid for new furniture.
"What do I have to be thankful for? I'd rather not answer
that question," said John Johnson, the Jarrell High School
principal. "I've got lots to be thankful for, and many others
around here don't."
Six months ago, Johnson helped identify the dead as they were
brought to the volunteer fire station. The job took three days.
Nine of those killed had been his students.
Johnson said he would rather think about the high school's
Lady Cougars, who placed second in last weekend's state 2A University
Interscholastic League volleyball tournament in Austin.
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Copyright ©1997,
Abilene Reporter-News / Texnews / E.W. Scripps Publications
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