Recovery slow, but steady after storm

MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) - Families and businesses have been working to get back to normal following a destructive tornado.

Saturday, there were a lot of positive signs that things are moving forward. Gerald Stevens has a new plan for Christmas after the Thursday storm destroyed part of his home.

"We cleaning up Christmas and just doing things inside and just trying to survive,” said Stevens.

Thursday’s tornado blazed a trail down Stanton Road, and took parts of Stevens' home with it.

"It woke me up with the windows shaking the house shaking, and it did a number on us,” said Stevens.

He's has made some progress since the storm, but is still working to recover.

"I don't know where my gates are, they are gone,” said Stevens.

Around the corner, things are starting to improve for Deja Richardson and her neighbors.

"We've been helping each other to clean up," said Richardson.

Businesses closed by the tornado are starting to open their doors. Mercedes of Mobile has been working long hours and is back for its busiest season.

"Things are really looking promising,” said General Sales Manager Jim Sullivan.

The damaged inventory is on it’s way to being replaced; boards cover shattered windows on the dealership's facade and the debris has been removed.

"We are focused on cleaning up making sure our employees have a place to come. We have 43 employees and we want to make sure they have the ability to work and make a living,” said Sullivan.

Spirits are high throughout the damaged area, with normalcy in sight.

"The Lord could have taken me out when he took the house out. He could have taken me out. So I'm thankful,” said Stevens.