COOKEVILLE, Tenn. — When an EF-4 tornado tore through Cookeville early Tuesday morning, it destroyed the Mynatt family home. Two-year-old Harper was taken to the ICU with a critical head injury.
The twister also blew away Harper's beloved "lovies."
"Everyone knows that you can replace things like that, but it’s the original one that they want," her aunt, Abby Lucius, wrote on Facebook.
Lucius said Harper had two lovies that looked exactly the same with a white puppy head, minky dot blanket, no monogram and no silky material on the back.
Harper would take Lovie 2 to school to avoid losing the very important Lovie 1.
Dozens of volunteers have helped sort through the rubble in Putnam County to look for stuffed animals, toys and photographs belonging to the Mynatt family.
Lucius said they have found similar lovies and even other ones of Harper's in the rubble, quickly replenishing her stash.
"It’s crazy the amount of people that don’t even know Harper or her parents but have come together to find it," Lane Mayberry told 10News. "It just goes to show you how close and loving our community is. All people want to do is just help their neighbors."
Lovie 2 was found and reunited with Harper over the weekend, but they're still trying to find the original one for her. The family said they are thankful for all the help.
"Lovie 2 is safe in her arms, fill the gap for now," Lucius said. "Thanks for the tireless searching. We are so blessed by our friends, family, and community."
