It has been two weeks since everything changed for Paul and Gail Cline.
People throughout the United States have been touched by the story of the couple in their 60s, who each lost an arm while embracing each other during a damaging tornado.
A new update is now available.
The building they lived in fell down.
On May 16, an EF-4 tornado blew with winds over 170 mph and left a mark in Russell, Pulaski and Laurel counties by covering a path of over 55 miles and wrecking everything it touched. At least 27 people had died by morning on May 18.
Paul and Gail Cline, married and both in their 60s, each lost an arm as they stayed together during the storm that damaged their home.
The nation responded to their story because they faced brutality but stayed loyal to one another. Paul and Gail were in critical condition and taken to the hospital because their home collapsed. My arms were no longer clasped around her. In some way, their strength did not falter throughout the war.
Currently, Americans everywhere are near tears in response to the emotional update.
After 30 years together and apart, the husband and wife are now in the same hospital room. Even through all of their hardships, they tried to smile.
First words
After many tough days on a ventilator, Gail was able to be taken off the machine last Thursday. That’s when she moved forward in her healing and when Paul and she were able to share another look in person.
She suffered ten broken ribs and one of those went through her lung. The woman had a damaged liver, a broken collar bone and scratches all over, explained their niece Taylor Baker. I see the nurses as part of our family right now.
Brandy Bowman said that when their aunt woke up, she immediately said, “I love you.”
Baker said, “It was emotional, but in the nicest way.” It was wonderful for him to see her in a way that didn’t involve the breathing tube. She has a big smile on her face as she looks at him in the one photo we have.
Though seeing Paul and Gail together was lovely, the journey ahead still looks difficult and slow.
Jeff Cline, the son, says, “You gain ground, then you lose the same ground twice over.” It’s always been a case of going back and forth. They’re making steps forward, yet they’re not yet out of the woods. It doesn’t mean they’ll be ready to leave tomorrow. There is still a lot for them to go through.
You can count these guys as heroes in comic book movies.
Jeff also said he was very grateful to the community and everyone who helped his parents that night. He honored Justin Messer and Brandon Hill, EMTs Tim Thompson and Mark Rudder, the sheriff’s office, fire departments, local ministries and the workers at St. Joseph’s London Hospital.
He said, “We instruct these young students to believe in Superman or Batman and all kinds of things.” These moving men and women are truly the heroes in the stories.
While they are still in the hospital, Paul is set to be moved to a rehab center and he will need scans to see if he has suffered from any injuries within his body.
Truly, Paul and Gail Cline have shown everyone what real love and strength mean, in the face of huge pain and loss. Seeing Clare and Tomisen side by side again, hand in hand, is a bright spot for us after what happened and reminds us that human courage never fades. Their recovery journey will take many years, yet they won’t go it by themselves.
Should you wish to help the Clines, click on their GoFundMe link for further information. The couple’s total money raised now stands at over $103,595.