My name is Martha Cochenour. I just wanted to share my story about your albums.
When my son was a senior, I did a senior memory book for him and a friend did a memory book for his football. My son is now 27 and has kept those books with him at all times.
In May 2011, a F5 tornado hit Joplin, MO. The area where he lived is where the tornado became F5 and it went right over his 3rd floor apartment. Jacob ran down from the 3rd floor to the first, with nothing but his clothes. Afterwards, there was nothing left of his apartment but thankfully he was okay!
When he and my husband went in search of things over the next 2 days, he found his 2 albums from Creative Memories. The albums covers were soggy and have mud on them but they were otherwise intact. The pages were fine!
Album Cover (front):
Album Cover (back):
Album Page:
I just wanted your company to know that your albums can withstand an F5 tornado. Thank you. I love working with my consultant, Diann Voeller, and always have been proud of my books and your products that make them so.
Martha Cochenour
Creative Memories Customer
Thank God your son is safe! I would be devastated if anything happened to any of my four children. I also have a 27-year-old son. I'm glad Jacob has his treasured albums.
Posted by: Mary Bleecker | 10/07/2011 at 07:04 PM
It's the 3rd thing we try to save - People pets and photographs, in that order!! And I know people who store their albums en route to the door out! ...just in case!
Posted by: Yvonne | 10/03/2011 at 12:25 PM
Oh wow, thanks for sharing your story with us!
Posted by: NICOLE | 10/03/2011 at 08:36 AM
Wow. I knew our albums were tough, but...
Your story is one of the many reasons that I am becoming motivated to begin scanning my albums and create 12 x 12 Storybooks as insurance against a disaster. The uploaded book can be reordered and copies can easily be stored at a relative's home. I don't actually tell my mother or siblings that they are "storing" books for me. Instead I give them one as a gift. :)
Posted by: Cathy Wallin | 09/28/2011 at 10:07 PM
Could we put our albums in the large ziploc bags? At least they would not get water damage. I currently have mine in a plastic tote to keep them dry. Any ideas, I have many and like most of you my pics a extremely valuable.
Posted by: Janie Ison | 09/28/2011 at 07:21 PM
My name is Martha as well and I have too many CM albums completed to grab and go out the door. An F2 Tornado hit our house earlier this year and though our house was damaged at least we didn't get our roof ripped off the house like our neighbor across the street. I'm glad to know that the albums would of made it though.
Posted by: Martha Graham | 09/28/2011 at 03:28 PM
I have always had my albums on display right by the front door. I got this advice from my dear "adopted" mom. She is my very good friend's mom. She always said the photo albums stay on a book shelf beside the front door because in case of emergency we get the kids out first and the albums on the way out the door!!!
Praising God that your son is safe. May God continue to bless Joplin.
Just a suggestion also, have him check out the Mark Gungor Laugh you way to a better Marriage coming to Joplin in January 2012 as a free benefit to the residents of Joplin.
Posted by: Carrie O'Donnell | 09/28/2011 at 03:14 PM
So thankful that your greatest treasure, your son, was unharmed and his treasure of memories came through the storm still in great shape. God is so good!
Posted by: Lois DuBose, CM Consultant | 09/28/2011 at 02:55 PM
Is Martha getting new covers from CM? That would be nice.
Posted by: Vicki Stamps | 09/28/2011 at 11:11 AM
Thank you for sharing your story with us, Martha. We are so thankful that your son survived the tornado and that his memories were recovered!
Creative Memories Home Office
Posted by: Home Office | 09/28/2011 at 11:00 AM
God was also there protecting what is so important. We will always have our memories through the grace of God. What an inspiring story and I am so glad to hear your son was not hurt.
Kristie
Posted by: Kristie Palmer | 09/28/2011 at 10:04 AM
That is awesome that they survived! Also glad your son wasn't hurt!
Posted by: Tracey Viereck | 09/28/2011 at 10:00 AM
That's amazing!! I always told my family that if we have to evacuate for any reason, grab the Creative Memories albums, too!
Posted by: Donna Floyd | 09/28/2011 at 09:52 AM
I'm so glad that his album wasn't ruined. :) I only use CM albums, because they are the best! Your story proves it. Thanks for sharing.
Posted by: Darlene | 09/28/2011 at 09:52 AM
How wonderful is that! I have always said that is one thing you can never replace is your pictures!!
Posted by: Paula Moscatelli | 09/28/2011 at 09:39 AM