National Geographic, El Reno May 31 Article/Multimedia

[Blake Naftel]

National Geographic just released an in-depth article by author Robert Draper entitled "The Last Chase". For anyone who has not read this, I highly recommend picking up a copy; or, visiting the following online link. Also contained within the link is a small six-minute video feature on the subject, of which begins auto-playing upon visiting. The story telling in both the article, and video is gripping; not just for anyone who knew Tim, Paul, or Carl - but simply the topic matter being presented.

http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/2013/11/biggest-storm/draper-text

If this link has been posted in another section of this forum, please feel free to re-locate this; or re-link the hyperlink.

..Blake..

 

[Stephen Levine]

Thank you for sending this link. What a powerful tribute to Tim, the man and his work. Wow!

 

[Jeff Hawkins]

Thank you for posting that link very much! In reading this article, there is mentioned a video...was there a camera/video recovered from Samaras' vehicle? Who has it? When did they release it to NatGeo? What is on the video?

 

[Jeff Hawkins]

I was at a Barnes/Noble last week checking out, and they had this displayed right at the checkout prominently. I showed a copy to the cashier (who appeared to be from Europe, speaking in broken English), who commented with words suggesting he thought the cover was someone famous for politics or something. I clarified who it was and he commented "you go to do things like that you ask for trouble", and he had nothing more to say. I held my tongue.

 

[Shawn Schuman]

Thank you for posting that link very much! In reading this article, there is mentioned a video...was there a camera/video recovered from Samaras' vehicle? Who has it? When did they release it to NatGeo? What is on the video?

Paul Samaras' camera was recovered; I don't know who has it but apparently several people have been able to view it, because it's mentioned in a few stories. He was apparently recording up until the moment they were overtaken (or at least shortly before that).

 

[Stephen Levine]

Paul Samaras' camera was recovered; I don't know who has it but apparently several people have been able to view it, because it's mentioned in a few stories. He was apparently recording up until the moment they were overtaken (or at least shortly before that).

That actually feels very eerie to me.

 

[Elinor McLennon]

As some of you know, the past couple of years have been painful for me. I have lost loved ones and am currently helping with my dad. He has dementia. We recently had to find a new nursing home for dad in Texas. So, I headed to Dallas and made arrangements. Then I headed back to OKC to make arrangements on this end. It was a hectic, emotional couple of weeks.
Once I returned home, I went to visit dad, wanting to spend time with him before he left for Texas. When I walked in and saw him, I realized that he had a mini stroke while i was away. It made me sick to my stomach.
Feeling very discouraged, I headed back to Edmond, crying the entire trip. Wondering when the madness was gonna stop. I remember praying while I was driving. I know in my heart that God takes things/people/nations that are broken and turns them into something wonderful, grand and majestic. I also know that God honors us for doing things with a pure heart. So at that point all I could think to pray was this; "God, I'm broken. I'm hurt. I've been this way for 3 years. And it doesn't seem to stop. So, Lord, when are You going to take my broken heart, my broken spirit and turn me into something special?" I needed something grand to happen, a reason to continue, a reason not to give up.
Once i composed myself, i decided to treat myself to a few goodies. The main goody being the National Geographic featuring Tim, Paul and Carl. I was close to a bookstore so I stopped. They did not have the newest copy. Feeling let down again, i moped back to the car. that's when i spotted a young man that appeared to be a "book" person. Yes, I profiled him based upon his attire and the fact that he just looked smart. I asked him if he knew of a place that sold the magazine. He knew! He asked why i was so interested so I began to tell him about Tim Samaras.
I excitedly told him about his probes, his research and how I admired that he was following a true passion. Instead of being in a cubicle all day he chose to follow his passion. As I told the young man the story I noticed that he was very intent on what I was saying. Nearing the end of my story telling moment I noticed that he had a couple of tears in his eyes.
When I was done he reached out to give me a hug. It was a bear hug! I believe he lifted me off the ground. He began telling me about himself. he had gone to school for engineering. He had landed a great job with a great company. Excellent pay and benefits. But after spending a year behind a desk, tucked away in a cubicle, he became very depressed. He asked me if I knew anything about depression, if I knew what it was like to wanna eat shotgun shells for dinner?
Sadly, I told him, I could relate with how he felt. he seemed relieved to have found someone that seemed to understand.
He also told me that he had quit his job and had went on a trip to Colorado. It was his first time to see real snow. He feel in love with the mountains. He said he was moving to Colorado soon to pursue a career in "making snow." I chuckled and told him that his parents must be proud. lol
The next thing I knew, I began rambling to him about following your passions. I explained that God gave us desires and passions. Furthermore, I believe that if we follow those natural, God given passions that we will always be successful in whatever we choose to do in life. Furthermore, it doesn't matter what any one else thinks about you, just do what comes natural. By doing so, you will always be happy and know the true meaning of success. And that's why I truly admired Tim Samaras and his research. Tim seemed to be a man that followed his heart and his passions. He wasn't out there for thrills or for media attention. He was there because he truly cared about the research, he loved weather and he wanted to keep people safe.
As our conversation came to an end, the young man asked me my name, so I told him it was Elinor. He said "Hey Elinor, guess what?" "You just saved my life and I want to say thanks for sharing your story about Tim".
When he spoke those words, my heart came to life. It was beating so fast and so hard. What an awesome experience. God DID use me for something grand and wonderful!! I may not have fame, fortune, big houses or fancy cars but the good Lord has given me so much more!

RIP Tim, Paul and Carl

 

[Joshua Nall]

There are no "like" buttons, so I wanted to tell you I liked your story, Elinor!

 

[Elinor McLennon]

There are no "like" buttons, so I wanted to tell you I liked your story, Elinor!

Thank You. I debated for a couple of weeks about this. I know that so many people were affected by this tragedy. I didn't want to do anything to make that pain worse for any one. But it was such an amazing moment and a great story about Tim that I prayed that it may bring a smile to those who knew him.

 

[Rick Schmidt]

A touching story, Elinor! I want to show your post to my mother and siblings. They will appreciate it very much!

 

[John Olexa]

Very nice Elinor! Praying for your dad as well.

 

[Jeff Hawkins]

Hi Elinor, I read your story. Since I had already replied in this thread, I didn't want to appear to be "dominating" (wink wink) it, so I waited to see if I was the only one moved by your story. Apparently not! I read your story and WOW, your experience almost brings me to tears for you and for that person...that is just awesome...I think Tim and Paul and Carl would be smiling knowing their tragic deaths have helped someone else choose to live, and even more that you were a channel to make that happen in the way and time that it did.

 

[Dave Gallaher]

Thank you, Elinor.....

 

[NancyM]

Heartwarming story, Elinor. You made some good come of some bad.

My heart goes out to you with your situation with your dad. Been there, done that and I know how very painful it is.

 

[Bob Hartig]

That is a beautiful story, Elinor. Thank you for sharing it. I know about difficult times. May the Lord's grace sustain and continue to encourage you in yours.