COOKEVILLE, Tenn. — Street after street, it all looks the same. Debris lies scattered all around in Cookeville neighborhoods.
Tuesday's early-morning tornado flattened so many houses. Like Eric Grooms'. All that's left are some of the floor boards, and the kitchen island.
Even the walls of the closet that sheltered Grooms and his family are gone.
"We all went into the closet, and then I asked my daughter to start praying," Grooms said. "She did, and before she could get done with her prayer our house was gone."
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On Wednesday, dozens of volunteers came out to help Grooms and other victims sort through the rubble. Many were complete strangers.
They delivered meals and offered shoulders to cry on. They pulled out books, photos, clothing, really anything of value that could be salvaged.
Authorities say at least 18 people in Putnam County, including Cookeville, died when the giant twister hit in the middle of the night. Many other people suffered injuries.
Grooms is thankful to be alive. He speaks with wonder about what the tornado took away.
"There were literally no walls, no roof, nothing around us," he said.
Thankfully, his family emerged safe.
"It was like God said, No, you’re not taking these today, these are mine."
His neighbors are trying to salvage what's left as well.
Amy Jennings turned her house into a refuge after the tornado hit. People came in wet, cold and crying.
"It's been an awful day, but we can turn this into something good, I hope," she said.
Tragedy often brings out the best in people, Jennings said.
"It brings out hope. It brings out love, and that's just what we do. Especially in the South," she said.