Click here for updates on this story
Marshalltown, IA (KCCI) — As a very shy sixth-grader, Hanna Thomas sometimes struggles to find the right words.
But playing the violin brings her peace.
“It’s really relaxing, and you can forget about what all happened,” Hanna said. “You just listen to the music.”
Hanna would like to forget about what happened July 19, when a tornado slammed through Marshalltown and leveled her home.
“We were trying to figure out our way back home because everything was closed off,” Hanna said. “When we got back, all I saw was a big lump of what the house used to be.”
Hanna’s parents were home, huddled in the basement. They’re still amazed they survived.
“All I can remember is me screaming,” said Ashley Thomas, Hanna’s mother.
The Thomas family lost everything, including Hanna’s violin.
“I was crying and really sad,” Hanna said.
With money tight and a lot of rebuilding to do, renting a new violin wasn’t an option.
“I hate telling my kids that something they love to do that we can’t do that for them,” Thomas said. “It hurts.”
Fortunately, teachers at Hanna’s school knew about her love for the violin, so they worked with a music company to surprise her Wednesday.
Schultz Strings delivered the gift, leaving Hanna speechless.
“It was priceless,” Thomas said. “Her face lit up. I honestly don’t know if she knew what to say.”
The music says it all.
“I’m, like, really excited,” Hanna said. “I love playing the violin.”
“I’m just happy she is able to do what she loves,” her mother said.
Hanna is able to have that violin rent-free until she finishes high school.
Please note: This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.
