Two Heartbreaking Tornado Stories: Man Gives Life to Save Wife; Dad Learns ‘Little Buddy’ Son Is Dead
- Posted on May 27, 2011 at 9:29am by
Jonathon M. Seidl
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3-year-old Ryan Hamil.
Cities in Missouri and Oklahoma are still picking up the physical pieces from Sunday’s devastating tornado. But many more people in the area are picking up the metaphorical pieces. Two such people are 25-year-old Bethany Lansaw and middle-aged father Hank Hamil.
First the story of Hamil, who fought back tears yesterday in Oklahoma during a news conference after announcing that police had found his missing son. Unfortunately, though, 3-year-old Ryan was found dead in a lake near the family’s home. But that’s not all. Hamil also lost his 15-month-old son, Cole. The Daily Mail explains:
The family was torn apart as their home in Piedmont, Oklahoma, was devastated by a tornado on Tuesday.
Mr Hamil’s pregnant wife, Catherine, remains in a fair condition in hospital, while his five-year-old daughter remains critical.
His 15-month-old son Cole died yesterday in an Oklahoma City hospital.
The unborn baby is said to be doing fine.
An emotional Mr Hamil said Ryan was his ‘little buddy’ as he confirmed that his son had died. He had been missing since the tornado hit two days ago.
‘It’s a bad deal,’ said the distraught father. ‘I lost both my boys. I loved them both.’
Breaking down in tears he said: ‘I was hoping we were going to find Ryan today alive.’
‘We found my other son this morning, Ryan, he was floating in the water on the west side of the lake.
‘I just want to thank everybody for helping and being there.’
This is Hamil’s emotional press conference:
In Joplin, MO another heartbreaking story is coupled with a tale of heroism. Bethany Lansaw and her husband, Don, were caught in the middle of that city’s deadly twister. As the storm raged, Don threw himself on Bethany in the couple’s bathtub, saving her and sacrificing himself:
Bethany and her husband, Don.
‘He got on top of me to take the brunt of most of it and he’s my hero,’ Mrs Lansaw said in a tearful interview.
‘I mean the house was ripping apart, it all happened so fast. All the pillows were flying off of us, the only thing I managed to do was keep one in front of my face.’
As the winds died down, Mrs Lansaw looked up to see that her husband was turning blue.
Hoping she could still save him, she flagged down a pick-up truck to get help finding an ambulance, but it was too late.
After six years of marriage, her childhood sweetheart had died.
The tornadoes killed 125 in Joplin and another 16 across parts of three other stakes including Oklahoma.
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Comments (84)
Pontiac
Posted on May 27, 2011 at 10:58amPrevious story “Avalanche Destroys SUV”
Quotes from comments:
“GOD was there you don’t have to be a religiouse person to recognize GOD is watching over us.”
“Will this make believers out of them??”
“GOD was with them on this near tragic day.”
“Thank God, this family is ok.”
“Yes, God decided to save them, probably for the sake of the children.”
etc etc…
So why isn’t anyone thanking God now, wasn’t he supposed to be watching?
Report Post »Before anyone harps on me at least read my comment then… I‘m just reinforcing my opinion and pointing out the vast deference’s between the comments in both articles.
CyndiUSA
Posted on May 27, 2011 at 12:54pmWell…I thank God that all of them weren’t taken. I thank God that there are people who are willing to give of their time, resources and money as well as prayers to help those left behind. I thank God they live in a community where they are surrounded by people who love and care deeply for them and will help them go on and know they are loved and will not walk this road alone. I thank God that Catherine, Cathlene and the unborn baby are going to heal physically. I thank God that we can still praise and honor His name even in the midst of heartache.
Report Post »bellasbrat
Posted on May 27, 2011 at 3:07pm“vast deferences?” What are you? A biology major or a spelling teacher? (look up vas deference)
Report Post »Pontiac
Posted on May 27, 2011 at 9:44pmIf you thank God for sparing a life, then you should you not blame God for taking innocent life. That IS the difference between the comments left on both articles. If he’s responsible for saving anyone then he is responsible for causing the damage and grief in the first place. As I said, God would have to be hands off on our daily happenings or guilty of many things including inaction. All I see in the comments section of TheBlaze is God this and God that. IT. GETS. TIRESOME. And no, I’m not an atheist.
Report Post »yanki161
Posted on May 27, 2011 at 10:57amAfter I brush away the tears I’ll say a prayer for them all.
Report Post »Mary M. Tebbe
Posted on May 27, 2011 at 12:18pmyanki161: Same here. It is all so sad, I can hardly take it all in. My heart breaks for all of them. I pray God comforts them.
Report Post »My sister called me from Ohio this week from inside her closet, waiting out the storms there. She was frightened, and I was beside myself being so far away and could not help. She was in the Xenia tornado years back, and it was terrible.
Cowoak
Posted on May 27, 2011 at 10:56amThese scars will run deep and last a lifetime. I wish all the best for these folks.
Report Post »ofallon
Posted on May 27, 2011 at 10:50amLord give them peace in their hearts.
Report Post »RightPolitically
Posted on May 27, 2011 at 10:48amThere are no words to describe or lessen the sadness of this horrible yet natural event. My heart goes out to all. Pray for the living and for the souls of the dead!
Report Post »David, the Constitutional Libertarian
Posted on May 27, 2011 at 10:47amQuestion folks, I am a unemployed and knowledgeable person. I would gladly donate my time, my body and my knowledge. I am a college edumacated A&P mechanic with about 20 years of construction experience (went a different way than my edumacation).
Give me a cot and hot and I will come and do what I can.
Report Post »bellasbrat
Posted on May 27, 2011 at 3:05pmDavid, I would suggest trying to contact a church in that area, or the City. You can possibly get direction from one of these sources
Report Post »Ghandi was a Republican
Posted on May 27, 2011 at 3:53pmSee you there Dave… You cannot imagine what it means to these folks that people will travel to share their pain. The idea that complete strangers care more about them than they may care about themselves right now in their despair cannot be measured in material things lost. Myself, I owe a debt and am going down there blind with a tent, gas money and whatever i can pick up on the way. just waiting for my significant to tie up a lose end.
Report Post »Mamalou78
Posted on May 27, 2011 at 7:12pmDavid contact College Heights Christian Church. 417-624-6915. My husband’s brother and his wife live in Joplin (they lost their house and cars) and are members of this church. They are a big relief center right now. They could get you connected with the workers.
Report Post »BurntHills
Posted on May 27, 2011 at 10:40amGod bless them all.
Report Post »stogieguy7
Posted on May 27, 2011 at 10:27amHow horrible! These poor people! I can’t imagine how it is to stand in their shoes.
They deserve our prayers and all the support that we can give them. And our strength.
Report Post »powhatan
Posted on May 27, 2011 at 10:25amI am finding it so hard to even hear about this heartbreak. I wish I could sooth all of their hearts. I will pray for their peace!
Report Post »rightymommy3
Posted on May 27, 2011 at 10:23amMay the Lord be with them during this difficult time. I hope they all know that people are praying for them.
Report Post »TeaParty_InTheSky
Posted on May 27, 2011 at 10:22ami will pray for them and all victims
Report Post »airhead0
Posted on May 27, 2011 at 10:22amI have lived in Indiana most of my life and I refuse to live in a home that does not have a basement.
Report Post »I have never been afraid of much, until I became a mother, now I seem to be on high alert when the spring storms roll in. My heart goes out to these families and I pray they find comfort.
marcy
Posted on May 27, 2011 at 10:22amfound another way to donate–
Report Post »–May Ryan Hamil and his brother Cole rest in peace, and may their family receive peace and hope, and may the new baby be born healthy and safe. There is a fund at MidFirst Bank called the Hank Hamil Family Fund. To donate call 1-888-Midfirst.
Libby Tarian
Posted on May 27, 2011 at 10:07amWhen friends of mine lost their child in a drunk driving accident I did not want to be around them. What do you do? Well, I went to my friend and just listened for years, that is all you can do. So just listen and please do not tell people to “get over it”, they never will.
Report Post »shadowrider
Posted on May 27, 2011 at 10:03amIf we had Any Real Leaders in DC, then at All disasters they would be Leading Our Great Nation in Prayer Upon Our Knees !
Report Post »How Utterly Shameless They Are !
We The People Will Remember !
May God Bless All of the Disaster Victims, Their Friends and Families, Give Comfort To Them, and Peace To the Souls of the Departed !
dizzyinthedark
Posted on May 27, 2011 at 12:48pmAll choked up here. Really brings home the reality of how important our lives are to one another. It is not the quantity, but the quality and I can tell Mr. and Mrs. Hamil and their boys had quality in their lives! God bless them as they struggle to pick up the pieces and walk with God, their daughter and their new child.
A real hero walked among us, though we never knew of him, but Don Lansaw gave the ultimate–his life. God bless him and his wife now that she will carry on. May she come to understand life in God is worth living!
I’m in total agreement with Anonymous T. regarding Obama’s appearance. He should NOT show up now. If he does I can’t imagine he would be well received by too many.
Report Post »quicker
Posted on May 27, 2011 at 10:00amSo much death so much destrution,May god bless and lift them up
Report Post »Centralsville
Posted on May 27, 2011 at 9:55amHaving children gives you the greatest love you can have on this earth but at the same time losing them becomes your greatest fear. I can’t imagine the pain they are going through but it is better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all. Being a Christian gives me comfort when I lose a loved one.
Report Post »littlemorefaith
Posted on May 27, 2011 at 9:50amGOD bless those who have lost so much. We mourn with you.
Report Post »sacrificeforkids
Posted on May 27, 2011 at 9:48amMy heart goes out for all eveyone who has been effected.. I pray they may be comforted.
Report Post »CyndiUSA
Posted on May 27, 2011 at 9:47amThe Hamil family lost their home, two young sons and Mrs. Hamil has had two serious surgeries since Tuesday. Their 5 year old daughter, Cathleen, has since been upgraded from critical to serious condition. So much sadness and heartbreak. Here is a link for donations to help with funeral and medical costs and a start to rebuild their lives. Of course, no amount of money can replace all they have lost but hopefully can help alleviate some of the financial and medical burden placed on them as a result of the tornado devastation. http://funds.gofundme.com/4z9po
Report Post »upstateny
Posted on May 27, 2011 at 9:47amThings like this put life into perspective. You may believe your life sucks but remember, it could be much worse.
Report Post »let us prey
Posted on May 27, 2011 at 9:52amI was thinking the same thing.
Report Post »GODSAMERICA
Posted on May 27, 2011 at 10:06amupstateny
Report Post »Now that statement is a pure TRUISM! There are a lot of people out there that could do well to remember that!
TopOfTheMuffin2u
Posted on May 27, 2011 at 9:46amSad…Sad…I continue to prayer for the survivors and nmissing.
Report Post »My Hero-Allen West-click my name
Posted on May 27, 2011 at 9:41amI pray the Lord Jesus will give comfort and strength to all who have lost loved ones and also to those who have loved ones still missing as well as those hurt. One never knows when they may face the same. God Bless them all.
Report Post »Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
Posted on May 27, 2011 at 9:37amGod have mercy upon them and help them with your grace and sustaining Spirit in this time of trials and hardships.
Report Post »pugsly84
Posted on May 27, 2011 at 10:28amThis just breaks my heart, I couldnt imagine the pain this family is feeling.Prayers go out to all effected by this.
Report Post »Jenny Lind
Posted on May 27, 2011 at 9:35amWhat can be said of such pain and heartache-God bless and comfort them and all who are suffering, I am so sorry. All I can add is my prayers.
Report Post »biohazard23
Posted on May 27, 2011 at 9:41amGod bless them, their families, and all those who have been affected by these storms.
Report Post »We Are Not Alone
Posted on May 27, 2011 at 9:45amTears flood my face as I read these heartbreaking stories, God bless them all….
Report Post »expatinontariocanada
Posted on May 27, 2011 at 9:46amHail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou amongst women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death…Amen.
Report Post »MidWestMom
Posted on May 27, 2011 at 9:51amprayers… and tears
A good friend is in Joplin as a volunteer. Last night he said the crews were told “search & rescue“ will change to ”search & recover” today…
Report Post »Anonymous T. Irrelevant
Posted on May 27, 2011 at 9:58amGod bless these people and help them through this. Obama, stay away, your presence and photo opportunities are not needed, just as they weren’t needed all this past week. These people have suffered enough and your involvement, on-site, is un-necessary. They were not important to neither you, nor Michelle, this whole week, otherwise, you could have interrupted your trip and flown back, then.
Report Post »Creestof
Posted on May 27, 2011 at 10:09am“Survivors guilt” can play havoc with your mind. I pray they are given the strength, love and support to recover from these losses. May God bless them all.
Report Post »cemerius
Posted on May 27, 2011 at 10:16amI will pray.
Report Post »SlimnRanger
Posted on May 27, 2011 at 10:27amAt the Church i attend we prayed that the 3 year old precious boy would be found,of course we were hoping he would be found alive,i just can’t imangine loosing a child but loosing two at the same time, mercy me i would loose my mind, God help this family and the ones in Joplin,our hearts go out to all of those that have lost so much
Report Post »D0ntTread0nMe
Posted on May 27, 2011 at 10:35amMy family sends out there thoughts prayers and financial support through the red cross, god speed.
Report Post »http://www.mythoughtsfromthemiddle.blogspot.com
thegrassroots
Posted on May 27, 2011 at 10:38amToo Much Heartbreak! God Have Mercy, In Jesus’ Name!
Report Post »Hobbs57
Posted on May 27, 2011 at 10:47amMy lord, if these story‘s don’t stir your heart and bring tears to your eyes, you may want to pretty much conclude you are a narcissist or some type of sociopath of sorts. How very sad. May the spirit comfort and be with all these people who have suffered such great tragedy and lost…..
May we all reflect and gather in our hearts and prayers, recognizing that each and every day alive is a blessing and not a guarantee. I suffered much loss over the past 3 years and my life has been directly effected. I have come to appreciate that life is precious and fragile. We have no natural armor, no think skin or fur, and body‘s made of such complex and precise systems that we can’t be replicated or repaired in certain instances. It is only the power of God through the presence of the spirit that will protect us and keep us safe. I believe with 100% certainty that the spirit will protect me and preserve my life as I keep my faith, but when it is my time to go, I will go. When it is not, no matter how powerful a force of destruction against me, I will survive. This is the works of the lord. But for the grace of God, there go I. Thanks be to God, and may he bless, protect and comfort all of us !
Report Post »Cowoak
Posted on May 27, 2011 at 10:53am@ creestof
You are right about that, I hope the young lady has support from others, you can tell she feels very badly about what went down. Her husband went out a HERO. GOD SPEED
Report Post »TomFerrari
Posted on May 27, 2011 at 11:20amOur prayers are with you all.
Lost my dad when I was younger – so I can really feel for their losses, having had to finish growing up without a dad. It is tough. It did make me stronger, having to become the ‘man of the house’ at such an early age.
God bless.
Report Post »DeBaan
Posted on May 27, 2011 at 12:13pmAmen.
Report Post »Cymry
Posted on May 27, 2011 at 12:38pmThey are in heaven. May God bless those they left behind here with His peace and His comfort.
With obama, this country is under a curse from God. (nations can be held responsible for their “leaders” – read your bible)
Report Post »DocGP
Posted on May 27, 2011 at 12:44pmOsama pushed his wife between himself and the bullets. That is what we call a COWARD in Texas. This man put himself between harm and his wife. That is a man, and a hero in my book.
God bless him and his family.
Report Post »Oh, God!
Posted on May 27, 2011 at 12:58pmA friend of mine, this is his cousin’s family. He has been keeping us updated through our local Tea Party email. My prayers go out to this family, I can not even imagine or understand what they are going through. They have set up a website, if anyone wants to donate items to this family. they have nothing left, everything was destroyed.
http://www.gofundme.com/4z9po
Report Post »muhamadhater
Posted on May 27, 2011 at 1:16pmthe most honarable thing a man can do is die for his family!!! the hardest thing a man can do is bury his family!! I pray 2 God that these people feel only blessings the rest of there lives, May God touch u in someway 2 let u know that everything will be okay!!! May God bless u all..And nothing but best wishes 2 u also!!!
Report Post »waggie
Posted on May 27, 2011 at 9:28pmGod is closest to the broken hearted. I pray they turn to Him with their sorrow and He will be right there with them to comfort them.
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