By MIKE SIMONS Staff Photographer on Aug 5, 2013, at 9:07 AM Updated on 8/05 at 9:21 AM
Sandra Jordan reacts as she speaks about the remains of her home that was destroyed by a wildfire in Mannford Aug. 5, 2012. MIKE SIMONS/Tulsa World
A year ago today, I met Sandra Jordan and James Sparr while covering the Mannford wildfires. After I cover a disaster like this I go through a period of guilt. Guilt that I am sitting in my comfortable house, and for the people I just covered days before the tragedy continues. Slowly the guilt subsides and I move on. I think about them less and less. Weeks may go by and then something will trigger a memory of those days and I will think about these people.
Mannford Fires: Sandra Jordan from
Tulsa World on
Vimeo.
I caught up with Jordan and Sparr recently. They are both on the same property. Jordan has replaced her home with a similar home, but cannot seem to move past the loss and fear she felt that day. Sparr is still living in a travel trailer, and slowly but surely he is removing the rubble. He says it seems like yesterday that it all happened. I know speaking about that time in their lives is painful, and I am thankful they spoke with me about it.
Mannford Fires: James Sparr from
Tulsa World on
Vimeo.
Follow Tulsa World Photo on Twitter.
PHOTO & VIDEO: View photography, videos and visual journalism from the Tulsa World staff.
James Sparr walks through what is left of his home and business that was destroyed by wildfire in Mannford Aug. 5, 2012. MIKE SIMONS/Tulsa World
