Not All Tulsa Ice Storm Memories Bad

By Craig Day, The News On 6

TULSA, OK -- With the chance of winter weather in the forecast, it brings back thoughts of last year's ice storm.  It's been a year since the storm knocked out power to more than 600,000 homes and businesses across the state.

The ice storm brings up memories that many people would just as soon forget.  But, one family says the storm brought up memories from long ago and they're blessed because of it.  People who say there's a bright side, even to the darkest of days.

Ice Storm Pictures

"I've lived in Tulsa all of my 60 plus years, and I've never seen such devastation from an ice storm," said Tulsan Mark Canterbury.

Like many people, the family was without power for a week.  Canterbury's 90-year-old mother-in-law Aline O'Quin had just come to Tulsa to live with him and his wife.  Just a few days later, the ice storm hit.  She says she'd never seen anything like it.

"Not that big.  I had a pretty good one down at my house, but it wasn't as big, didn't reach as far," said Aline O'Quin.

The power outage, meant time around the fireplace, and wondering how O'Quin would cope.

"It wasn't hard on me.  It was hard on them.  Because they put me over there in a chair and I stayed there.  They the ones had the trouble," said Aline O'Quin.

"We were pretty shocked, with all the power being out, all the electricity being out, television, kitchen appliances and everything, but we noticed Mama Aline had a little spark in her eye," said Mark Canterbury.

A spark because the power outage brought back many memories from her rural Louisiana upbringing.  During the ice storm, she told stories of not having electricity until she was in her 40's.

"I've lived many a day down there without electricity," said Aline O'Quin.

"After we all gathered around the fireplace, in the dark and with candle lights and with the glow of the flame and the conversations we got into, you could see a smile on her face over it," said Mark Canterbury of Tulsa.

While many people weren't smiling, and even this family says it wouldn't want to experience another ice storm like last December's, they're still thankful it prompted many family memories and created new ones.

"It didn't bother me.  Of course, I had good hands waiting on me. you see," said Aline O'Quin.

Canterbury has some great photos of the ice storm shot from around his home.  You can see them by clicking on the slideshow.