PIEDMONT, Okla. — On May 24, 2011 tornadoes tore through our state; 10 people were killed, more than 200 injured.
A year later the Boutwell family has rebuilt on their property and are spending their first week in their new home.
They’re busy unpacking and getting things in order.
They’ve lived 25 years in Piedmont but Mom, Andi Boutwell, said they now have an even greater love of their community.
“We had always appreciated but after the tornado, we really appreciated how the town came together and helped,” she said.
Now empty nesters, with daughter Brooke on her own, it’s an oasis for her mom and dad.
Andi said she’s getting back to what was before.
“For me a big thing was backing out of the driveway. This is the first time I’d done it in a year. I headed to work on my normal routine from a year ago and it felt really good,” she said.
Brooke Boutwell said it’s bittersweet but she’s glad her parents have rebuilt.
“This is like their first home with no children. They get to live here for forever. It’s basically their dream home,” she said.