Tuscaloosa BROUGHT IT Today to Pay It Forward for Moore, Oklahoma

It's no secret that I love Tuscaloosa. I do. I really do. Days like today make me love y'all even more. In less than 24 hours, the people of Tuscaloosa and West Alabama donated over a ton of supplies to be sent to Moore, Oklahoma--a literal TON--over two thousand pounds, headed from the Heart of Dixie to the Heartland.

It was a busy day, a hot day, too--but y'all didn't let that get in your way. You came out in droves with medicine, toiletries, cleaning supplies, toothbrushes, clothes, and so much stuff it's going to take TWO truckloads to get it all to Oklahoma. It was incredible to witness such genuine kindness again in Tuscaloosa.

Today was your chance to pay it forward, and you did. You went above and beyond to help those in need--just like y'all did after April 27th. There were several occasions that ruined my mascara: I was overwhelmed by the kindness y'all showed today.

When I got to Chick-Fil-A in Northport this afternoon, there were donations waiting on me. One thing that caught my eye-- several boxes of baby wipes. Each one was topped with a hand-written note, "Praying for you from Tuscaloosa, Alabama."

I saw those notes and cried. The painful memory of 4/27 came welling out in hot tears, yet I didn't stay sad long. I realized what you, Tuscaloosa, had done--and I was so completely overwhelmed I couldn't stop sobbing.

You took a tragedy, an awful dark day full of pain and loss, and you turned it in to something beautiful--neighbors helping neighbors, people showing unparalleled altruism and selflessness, people rebuilding the City of Champions together. You showed the world that even in the face of unfathomable loss, people are still kind. People are still good.

You proved it again today with your donations, the way y'all took time out of your busy lives to help total strangers. I looked over the PILES of items in our lobby this evening again before I went home for the day. Just glancing at the photos, you'll see aspirin, sunscreen, toothpaste, baby formula.

Look closer: each bottle, each item is much more than that. They're comforting smiles. They're an understanding hug. They're prayers and tears and a message: We've been where you are before. It hurts, but it gets better. It's hard, but it gets better. We love you; we care, and we promise it gets better.

So one more time before I call it a night: I love you, Tuscaloosa. Y'all are the strongest, kindest people I know, and I am blessed to call the City of Champions my home.

Thank you.

And Roll Tide.