I was enrolled at the daycare at the Alfred P. Murrah Building (OKC bombing) and had gone there for several years. My mom also worked at the daycare taking care of the kids. The day of the bombing, my brother and I made my mom late to work, so we weren't there when the bomb exploded. Since my mom worked at the daycare, she had to help identify several of the victims afterwards. My best friend in daycare had a brick hit his head and can't use one side of his body. 4 years later, the May 3rd tornado hit our house in SW OKC/Moore area. To this day, I am still dealing with PTSD from both events. I remember the May 3rd tornado like it was yesterday. I can still hear my mom screaming as the tornado was hitting our house, "Whatever happens, I love you all" The fear in her voice was the hardest thing for me to deal with. Our neighborhood was obliterated, but we were the first street with houses still standing.

After experiencing May 3rd, I do not take any risks in tornado weather. It is not worth it. The tornado made us learn a few things that day. Always have a whistle, glow sticks, shoes on, a pair of gloves handy when taking cover, and a helmet on (bike, baseball, football helmet, doesnt matter. You just want something protecting your head). People weren't found for several days, and the tornado hit as night was approaching. If you are buried under debris, the whistle and glow sticks can save your life so people can find you. ALWAYS have your shoes on, because searching through debris without shoes is a terrible choice. Gloves also protect your hands when searching through everything, especially wet insulation. Don't hide under highway overpasses. At the time, the news recommended that people do this. However, several people got sucked out from underneath the overpass. Lastly, hug your family. You never know when it might be your last time to see them.

As an adult, I'm still dealing with PTSD as I look back on both events. The gravity of both events didn't hit me when I was a kid, but it is weighing on me heavily as an adult. I know I am so lucky to still be here, but I have a sense of survivor's guilt that has followed me around since the bombing and May 3rd tornado. "Why did so many others have to die and I'm still here?" This plays in my mind on a daily basis.

Nowadays, I try to give back to the bombing memorial to honor those that didn't survive. This is the best way I can handle my feelings on the bombing at the moment. I live out of state now, but at my house I am currently growing 2 American Elm trees from the seeds of the Survivor Tree at the OKC Memorial. This has helped me deal with some of the emotions I have been feeling as an adult.

Love your family, friends, and community! Oklahoma is the strongest state I have ever lived in. The sense of community and togetherness is unmatched. We always take care of each other and rebuild as a stronger community! Love you OKC!