I’m not even sure how to start this. I grew up in Oklahoma, way out in the country, on ten acres of land. We had chickens. We could walk and walk and build forts and forget where they were and build more the next day. We were so lucky.
When I was a kid, my family listened to the seasonal tornado reports on the t.v., and tried not to panic. We had a closet under the stairs where we went during the serious tornado warnings, when the sirens would actually go off. My mom and dad always said we’d be protected if it got bad, because they’d drag a mattress over our bodies if the storm got really close. But it never happened. In fifteen years, we never had to drag the mattress over our bodies. We were lucky.
One time, we had a close one. When I was 8 or 9, I remember an afternoon — or maybe it was evening. You see, when a tornado is coming, you have no clue what time of day it is. It’s just gray. Infinite gray and ominous. There’s almost NO movement in the air, but, like those moments in a horror movie, when the music builds, and you know the monster is coming — you can feel the danger.
We felt it. Danger. If we were dogs, the hairs on the backs of our necks would have stood up. I’m pretty sure the hairs on the back of my neck stood up anyway
We stood on the back deck and looked at the sky . . . and then we saw it. We saw the funnel. We saw it forming. It was alive and it was dark and crafty and mean — mean as a black, slithering snake. It was coming after whatever was in its path. We shivered and prayed to God we were not in its path. As we watched, it formed and started moving away from our house, so we relaxed. And then we had dinner, like nothing had happened. I think we had taco salad.
Yesterday, as I listened to the news, I sat waiting, denying and praying. Waiting to hear from my family. Denying that they’d have to get the mattress and hide in the closet. Praying for their safety. I am not religious. I don’t name what I believe. But I believe. I believe so strongly. And I prayed. Because I believe this universe, whatever your religion or beliefs, is built on energy and thoughts and love and the electricity that emanates from all of us – so I sent it out as strongly as I could. I prayed. Hard. I could not live without my family. It doesn’t matter how far away they are or how long it’s been since we’ve talked – they are me. Our connection is beyond visceral. My love for them is infinite, and I know they love me equally. I found myself mentally making a violent argument to the heavens, arguing that my family MUST be saved, because so many people would be shattered if he/she/they decided to take the souls I loved so much. Then, I started making deals:
I’LL DO MORE.
I’LL BE BETTER AT FORGIVENESS.
PLEASE, LET THEM BE SAFE, GOD. I’LL DO ANYTHING.
My prayers were answered, and my family is safe. Did my prayers work? Did I pray harder than someone else? No. I did not. My family got lucky. So many other people did not. I feel devastated and horrified and relieved and guilty for feeling relieved. I watch news reports of Moore, Oklahoma, 5 miles from my mom’s house, and I see what looks like a war zone. And yet there was no enemy, was there? Was it God? How could God let this happen? How could this be pre-ordained? It doesn’t seem possible. Why? How could He have let this happen? I have no idea.
I wish I had some wisdom. I wish I could give a cerebral, beautiful, thoughtful, calming explanation for the massive devastation that has happened in my home state, but I can’t.
I know that the past 48 hours have made me realize how incredibly fortunate I am. I know my family and I were spared. I know that this horrific tragedy has pulled my life into perspective, lickety-split. Problems that seemed overwhelming no longer loom. I pray that it’s awakened others. I pray that we all take a step back and breathe and help.
And I thank the universe for every breath.
ScrambledMeg 
Thanks for sharing, Megyn. I had forgotten that you were from Oklahoma. I hope they can rebuild quickly.
It is hard to sit, dumbfounded when a natural disaster like this strikes. Where are you God? He is with us, there are certain laws of nature and spirituality that cannot be changed in this flesh, but we are given these challenges and situations to SHINE on the people who need our help. There is a reason people come to America. They know its goodness in its citizens, its business owners and its religious communities.
As we speak, churches all over this land are selflessly gathering college students, retirees, ministers, preachers, the wives, those who are unemployed to go help. We can shine here on Oklahoma. The supernatural questions may not be answered yet, but the human question is. That question “What can we do?” has a short, beautiful answer. ACT. Can you send food? Money? Give blood to the Red Cross? Set up transportation because you own a trucking company? Have gift cards from Christmas you have not used? Even the smallest resources, given in need become magnified a million times. Tomorrow I call some of the churches of Christ in Oklahoma who will be filling trucks, stacking bottled water, gathering clothes, setting up camps, setting up latrines, mobile kitches to help them rebuild and ask “What can I do?”.
If you know anyone or institution that needs a few dollars Meg, let us know with another entry that goes to our inboxes titled something like “Oklahoma fund”. Not traveling in sales anymore means a few dollars more to send out for a purpose. Thanks for sharing!!
Well said….
I don’t live in Oklahoma, I live in Colorado, but we have a good number of tornados here. Not as many, but enough to scare me. Not because I am afraid, but because I have children. I worry that my oldest daughter will be home watching the younger kids and it will happen. I’ve shown them what to do if it does, but I worry because I know they will be terrified. My job requires me to care for others in the event of an emergency and all eyes look to me in crisis. I worry that I’ll be busy saving someone else as my kids sit alone and afraid. Life is scary sometimes. Thank you for sharing your fears and doubts so that it felt okay to share mine. Now if you will excuse me, I have children to go hug.
It is hard to know the randomness of these trevails. We wonder where God is, why it happened. Spiritual laws are in force, but there is something we can understand. When these things happen, it is for a reason. For us to respond and shine our lights. No doubt churches, civic organizations and just good Americans are readying money, food, water, resources to send to Oklahoma. College students, preachers, retired folks, locals and big businesses will be shipping support. The people affected will be swarmed with love from their fellow Americans from all walks. Truckers, unemployed folks, kids will show up and many hands will make light work for those who are suffering and recovering. This is our chance to shine people. I will be calling the churches of Christ in that area tomorrow to ask “What can I do?” and if Megan puts up a link to her chosen organization that needs money for food, bottled water, medicines, checks for people, I will do that too. I cannot get to Oklahoma, but I can send a piece of my heart and will do so gladly. Prayers and good intentions to you Oklahoma.
“When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, “Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.”
― Fred Rogers
I love this quote and I think this is why, in part, Heavenly Father allows the world to turn and its natural forces to be naturally forceful. It is an opportunity for us to connect, to touch lives, to be better, to reach out, to draw strength from within, to feel deeper, and to love greater.
I believe in God. If you don’t, that is ok. That is your choice. Everyone who believes in God has asked those same questions Megyn touched on. I don’t have the answers to those questions. I choose to believe that there is a reason for everything that happens, even though the reason may not be understandable to me. With all of the bad things happening, manmade (school shootings, terrorist bombings) & natural (tornadoes, deadly viruses), it is logical to search for an explanation. Sometimes there just isn’t one.
Megyn,
I’m so glad to hear your family is okay. I understand your feeling of helplessness. I worried & prayed for my family from here in Boston. My family made it through it fine as well. I was thinking of you & yours. I’m praying for you during this time. Remember, “1 Corinthians 13:12 For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known. “. We don’t have all the answers, but we can still depend on God(higher power) to help us work through all this life can throw at us.
I remember feeling the same sentiments during the 1989 earthquake in San Francisco where for 15 seconds, stuff was falling down around us. Thanks for wonderful words that remind each of us that each day is a gift.
Having spent several years honing my crush on Audrey, I was so pleased to learn that Megyn is so much like her. Reading your Oklahoma post, I was pleasantly surprised to learn how thoughtful and unpretentious you are. I hope you have a very long and storied career in acting. And I assure you, I will be following it. Of the many great actors, I have no idea why you became my favorite of all those who grace television. But, you are. Having been in law enforcement for many years, I know how cautious you need to be. But as a disclaimer, I’d like to note my use of the word “crush” is not of the stalker variety. I was just wondering if you book any public appearances. Meeting you is very close to the top of my “bucket list.” In the meantime, Ms. Price, thank you for sharing your fine acting skills with the world. We are all the better for it.
Are you interested in directing and acting in a lead actress role of a woman who saves here community from danger in a period story set in late 1800’s America? If yes, write to my email thanks Harry
This makes me cry every time. And you’re such a good writer 💘🙌🏻👏🏻
Luckily, one of the best technological advances we’ve made in recent years is severe weather tracking technology. People actually know before they hit now, and have time to find shelter.
Love your story and thanks for sharing. You are one of my favorite sitcom personalities. You and Donal Logue were quite a pair! And more recently with Patrick Warburton on rules of engagement. Hope to see you back on tv in the near future. Almost forgot about seeing you on the ranch on netflix. Hopefully that stays going for many seasons. Love what I’ve seen thus far with that cast.
I’m so glad your family is safe. Thank you for sharing.
Wow! That was actually VERY well written! When the day comes that you decide it’s time to retire from your acting career, you may want to consider writing to fill your spare time…Seriously, that was really good and very few have the knack to draw others in like that 🙂
Hey girl! You missed the reunion! 🤗
Sr 88 NHS
I am from Joplin Mo. and also know the destruction of a massive tornado. We had one May 22, 2011 that killed 160 people. There was so much destruction. Whole families taken away. It didn’t and still doesn’t seem possible.
You are one of my favorite actresses Megyn! I love your sexy, sultry voice!