Rising Up In Coal City, One Family's Tribute To Dad After Devastating Tornado
CHICAGO (CBS) -- On a day with severe weather in the forecast, one Illinois community is remembering how destructive Mother Nature can be.
One year ago today, an EF-3 tornado ripped into Coal City. Its 160-mile-per-hour winds snapped poles like tooth picks and damaged or destroyed as many at 1,400 buildings.
Malinda Marvick is one who is rebuilding after suffering more than the loss of a home damaged in the storm.
"We pretty much knew we had lost our home," Marvick said.
She also lost her father, Larry Farmer, to cancer a few weeks later.
Drive-through Coal City today, past mounds of dirt and construction sites and you'll see neighbors continue to rebuild
When Marvick rebuilt, she was sure to include a poignant tribute to him.
Larry Farmer loved the Wizard of Oz.
So, a small but shiny yellow brick walkway leads to the Marvick home.
"We miss him a lot," Marvick said. "I know he is smiling down and proud we were able to push through the hard times."
