Family who rescued American Girl doll after tornado gives thanks despite year of hardship

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The Walker family, known for rescuing their daughter’s prized American Girl doll from their tornado-damaged house, are giving thanks in a year that’s dealt them so much hardship.

They used to live in Harrison Twp., before the Memorial Day tornado knocked their house off its foundation. And while they will not be home for Thanksgiving, they are still thankful for what they have.

News Center 7 has been following this family’s recovery ever since.

Holiday plans sound normal for the Walker family: Tim and his wife, Beth Wentz, their son, Hendrix and daughter, Storm.

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“We’re really excited about having everyone over,” Tim Walker said.

There will be homemade decorations, food and loved ones.

“This is kind of our chance to have the family over,” Wentz said.

However, there’s no doubt Thanksgiving will be different this year.

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“This is our first holiday not in our house,” Wentz said. “We haven’t been in our house for half a year.”

“It’s hard. It’s still hard to believe it really happened,” her husband said.

Now, the Walker family live in a mobile home in Springfield.

While they appreciate their rental ...

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“I miss the old house,” Storm said.

After everything the family has been through, they said there is still plenty to be thankful for.

“We’re all still together ... that we have a roof over our head and a place to call home, yup, a place to call home,” Tim Walker said.

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The family said they are still looking for a home to buy but are having trouble finding one they can afford and one with a basement in case there is another tornado.

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