This is My account of Ripley's Miracle to the best of My Memory.

 

 

The weather was cold and they were predicting a blizzard the would match the "Famous Blizzard of 77".  Marilyn ( my wife at that time) had to go to work at a truckstop near Interstate 90.  After she left for work to snow started coming down. If you were driving you couldn't see the end of your hood on your car. I stayed in the house and watched it come down with a force wind that roared like a lion.

 The snow was coming down with no break when Marilyn call me a said that she would be late. The Truckstop was full of tourist who were stuck there because the Interstate was closed and the next shift was having trouble getting into work.

 About 2 hours later she called again. She was ready to come home but the car wouldn't start. So I told her I'd be down to get her. I dressed as warmly as I could and went to the car. It was buried and I had to dig it out.

 I slowly drove toward Shortman Rd where the truckstop was located, but as I got into town there was a man under the traffic light directing traffic. He waved me over and told me I couldn't go any further because all the roads were close.

 The man was Marilyn's brother and I told him that I had to get Marilyn from work. He promised that he would get someone to go get her with a four wheel drive, so I went to the c orner bar to wait for her. An hour later Marilyn came walking in shivering and looking for a place to warm herself. She went over and stood by the wall heater.

 After she warmed up we decided to go home. So out into the cold we went and headed for the car, when her brother in the street yelled "where do you two think your going"?." Home" we shouted. "Oh no you aren't. The roads are closed in all directions and I can't allow you to leave".  After a short discussion we found out that we would have to spend the night at the school with the tourist.

  When we got to the school the large gym was already full of people bedding down for the night. Blankets were being handed out to them and cots from the kindergarden classes were spread all around.

 As we stood and talked with one of the volunteers we learned that there was a couple who had gotten married that day and were heading for Niagara Falls for their honeymoon. They were given a private room so they could be alone on thier honeymoon. I hope their marrige worked out better than their honeymoon.

 Marilyn and I decided to go have coffee in the cafeteria. When we walked into the the room people were gathered at different tables eating a breakfast style dinner, and some were playing cards. We went to the kitchen and ordered coffee and then we asked if they needed any help. "Oh no" they said. "there's so much help back here we can't move around as it is."

 We sat down at a table and watched all these people who were expecting to be home for Christmas, laughing and happy that they were in a safe and warm place for the night. I wasn't so happy. I felt that we were so close to home that we should be able to make it home. But I had to settle being stuck here.

 About an hour passed and we were getting tire so we resigned ourselves to the Gym. They handed us each a blacket and we looked for a place to laydown.The place was full so we went up to the stage and found a place large enough for us to laydown together. No Pillows and the floor was hard as a rock we forced ourselves to sleep.

 When Morning arrived we found ourselves amoung a bunch of strangers talking quietly and folding blankets. we spoke with them and they all we saying how happy they were with the hospitality of the Ripley People.

 It was about 10:00 am when we made it outside to find the the snow and wind had quit. The Ripley Highway Department had route 20 open and cleared. We were able to make it home now. It took a whole lot more to clear the interstate and the tourist in the school were stranded yet for another day or 2 depending on how far down the interstate thier cars were buried. After 2 days though the school was empty with everyone on their way.

  But as I sat home I realize how thankful I was for the voluteers of Ripley who gave food, blankets, clothing, and most of all their time and hearts to all the people who were in need of kindness and a place to hold up during the storm.

A special Thanks to the Ripley Fire Department for all your efforts everyday in keeping us safe.

Bob Gibbs