Sitting on the porch with Connie, Brenda, Richard, and Brian this evening, I just felt so incredibly grateful. Dresden has been through so much, from the terrible winds to the long days of rebuilding. But looking at our town now, it is stronger than ever. The buildings might be new, but the soul of the town is exactly the same. I am so proud of my hometown and so blessed to have my family here with me to enjoy it.

Today we got our hands dirty! The tornado wiped out so many of the beautiful old trees in Dresden, so the family decided to spend the weekend planting new saplings. Brian and Richard did the heavy digging, while Connie, Brenda, and I made sure they were watered. It will take years for them to grow tall, but planting trees is about believing in the future. We are putting roots down for the next generation.

Have you seen the progress on the courthouse square lately? Brenda and I walked by it this afternoon. The tornado took away our historic buildings, but seeing the new construction finally taking shape gives the whole town a boost of energy. It feels like the heart of Dresden is finally beating strong again. I can’t wait for the day when the square is completely finished and open for everyone.

Today is always a tough day as we remember the December 2021 tornado that changed Dresden forever. I was talking with Richard and Connie this morning about how scary that night was. But looking around now, all I feel is hope. The way neighbors helped neighbors, sharing food and clearing trees, showed the true heart of Weakley County. We will never forget what we lost, but we are so thankful for what we have rebuilt together.

Brian and Richard took a drive with me through downtown Dresden today to look at the rebuilding progress. Seeing the new structures going up where the 2021 tornado destroyed everything brings tears to my eyes. It takes a lot of hard work to bring a town back from something like that, but the people here just don’t quit. Richard was pointing out where some of the old shops used to be. We are so proud of how far Dresden has come.