Athena, the tortoiseshell cat, was a harbinger of hope, a small miracle survivor after a deadly tornado ripped through Mississippi. Athena’s name comes from the Greek goddess known for wisdom, courage, inspiration, and as the protectress of cities. After the natural disaster left the city of Rolling Fork reeling, taking 13 lives, Athena brought smiles and much-needed relief.
The tornado was extremely rare and long-lasting, leaving most of the city gone after arriving on a Friday night in late March 2023. It continued for over an hour, covering 170 miles through two states.
Image via NPR of the damage in Rolling Fork, Rogelio Solis/AP
Tornado Arrives Like a Freight Train in Rolling Fork
Amid so much devastation, somehow Athena was alive, standing in the wreckage of Mason Long’s former dream home. It was 16 hours after Mason had lived through a nightmare while talking to his father, Marty, on the phone. Suddenly, the sound of a freight train arrived and there was little time to act.
Mason, 24, miraculously survived after much of the home was blown apart in ten seconds. He believed the tornado must have taken Athena, too.
“I’m OK, dad,” said Mason, “but everything’s gone. My house, my belongings, even my cat,” he told his father.
Mason and Marty Long. Images via Facebook/Rick Karle WVTM13
Father and son reunited and spent the night trying to help their neighbors buried in the rubble. Adrenaline running high, Mason somehow lifted a brick wall off a senior neighbor, reported WVTM13.
Athena Appears at Sunrise
Dawn arrived after what must have been among the worst nights of a lifetime. But Mason had miraculously survived a devastating truck wreck months prior. Once again, he came through incredible devastation and heroically saved others despite his injuries.
Image via GoFundMe
As the sun arrived, a clear sky revealed the full extent of the tornado’s cruel path. Somehow, Athena was waiting there in what remained of Mason Long’s former dream home. Mason wept, holding her as she purred in his arms.
“Sixteen hours earlier, the sound of the freight train had left. At noon on Saturday, the sound of life had arrived. Athena purred while Mason wept. It was a hug that seemingly never ended,” wrote Rick Karle.
Amid so much tragedy, Athena’s reunion offered some hope to the wider community too!
“Marty Long said his son, Mason, lost everything in the Rolling Fork, Mississippi tornado on Friday. They went back to see his cat sitting on the pile that used to be his house waiting on him. 🙏❤️” shared Meteorologist Kaitlin Wright.
Four months later, efforts to rebuild Rolling Fork and help hundreds of still-displaced residents are ongoing.
Video via Facebook/WCCB featuring Meteorologist Kaitlin Wright:
