Three major events occurred in the past week that had a profound affect on us all. One: the tragic tornado storms which hit north of our state. Two: The Royal Wedding and three: The death of Osama bin Laden.

First: the tragic storms. If you had watched in terror a rare EF-5 sized humungous tornado ripping through Tuscaloosa, and tearing a path of death and destruction up through Birmingham and Huntsville flattening homes and businesses and damaging cars, then you know this is a major tragedy. One report from a nurse at the hospital in Tuscaloosa came when they saw the tornado headed right for them but turned one block from where they were standing. It was frightening and traumatic as you try to find a place to hide and feel helpless in the path of such a storm.

The clean up and memorial services for all those who lost their life will be an ongoing event for months to come. Not to mention the trauma felt which will have a lasting affect on the minds of all those who experienced it. The homeless and those left without family will forever be affected by this terrible tragedy.

Second: The Royal Wedding. Although this event took place in another country, the whole world was watching. Our allies in Britain took a day off to celebrate the marriage of their beloved Prince William to Catherine Middleton. The event was broadcast from 3am Central Standard Time until noon. For those who didn’t care about “the dress”, the guests or the ceremony, it wasn’t a big deal, but in my opinion this marriage has a definite bearing on world events and what our future will be with the UK. Not to mention the economic drag it had caused for the one day lost in work. It was a great show of pageantry which we as U.S. citizens don’t see very often, but the economic trials of both our country and theirs will continue to struggle for quite some time.

Third: The announcement of the death of Osama bin Laden. Does this mean our war with the terrorists is over? I don’t think so. There are probably many to take his place in the hierarchy of terrorism so this war continues, but his name is notorious and we feel a certain victory because of what he caused on that fateful day almost ten years ago: the attack on the United States on September 11, 2001. Already there are reports from the Gaza Strip government of their regard for our killing an “Arab holy warrior” and feel that we are oppressing the Muslim and Arab people. Is the fight over? I don’t think so.

Great world events in such a short time affect us all. I was very touched by the British news man taking the time to send his best wishes during their broadcast of the Royal Wedding to the people of Alabama and the loss we have felt and I hope the best for their country in whatever the challenges may be in the future. I’m sure they feel the same for us.

Loxley resident Valerie J. Steimle is now the author of four books. Her latest, “Dogs, Blogs and Hobbits: Writings from a Widow’s Perspective” is available on Amazon.com. Contact her at valeriesteimle@yahoo.com, visit her website at www.stregthenyourhome.com or check out her blog at www.valeriesteimle.blogspot.com.