Itโs been two weeks since Paul and Gail Clineโs lives were changed forever.
The couple in their 60s, who each lost an arm while holding on to one another during a devastating tornado in Kentucky, have captured hearts across America.
Now, thereโs a powerful new update.
Their home collapsed
On May 16, a powerful EF-4 tornado with winds topping 170 mph carved a 55.6-mile path through Russell, Pulaski, and Laurel counties in Kentuckyโleaving devastation in its wake and lives forever changed. By the morning of May 18, the death toll had climbed to at least 27.
Among the miraculous survivors were Paul and Gail Cline, a married couple in their 60s, who each lost an arm while holding onto each other as the storm tore through their home.
Their storyย captured the nationโs attention โ not just because of the brutal injuries they suffered, but because of the strength of their bond. Both Paul and Gail were rushed to the hospital with critical injuries after their home collapsed around them. The arms they had wrapped around one another were gone. But somehow, their spirits remained unbroken.
Now, an emotional update has many across America holding back tears.
The couple โ married for 30 years โ has now finally reunited in the hospital. And despite the trauma, they smiled through the pain.
First words
After several intense days on a ventilator, Gail was safely removed from the machine on Thursday last week. It marked a major milestone in her recovery โ and the moment she and Paul finally saw each other again, face to face.
โShe broke ten ribs and one of them punctured her lung. She had a liver laceration, a broken collar bone as wellโฆscratches everywhere,โ their niece, Taylor Baker, toldย Lex18. โI feel like these nurses are our family at this point.โ
โHer first words off of the vent were, โI love you,โโ shared Brandy Bowman, another of their nieces.
โIt was very emotional in the best way,โ said Baker. โFor them getting to reunite and for him finally getting to see her without that breathing tube. The photo that we have of them, she has the biggest smile on her face looking at him.โ
Though Paul and Gailโs reunion was beautiful, the path ahead remains long and uncertain.
โYou take one step forward, you take three steps back,โ their son, Jeff Cline, says. โItโs been just back and forth this whole time. They are โ progress โ but theyโre still in the woods. Itโs not like theyโre ready to go home tomorrow. They still have a long road ahead.โ
โThese guys are really the heroes in the capesโ
Jeff also expressed deep gratitude to the community and those who helped save his parents that night. He singled out neighbors Justin Messer and Brandon Hill, EMTs Tim Thompson and Mark Rudder, the sheriffโs office, fire departments, local ministries, and the staff at St. Josephโs London Hospital.
โWe teach all of these kids to believe in Superman or Batmanโall of that stuff,โ he said. โThese guys are really the heroes in the capes.โ
While both Gail and Paul remain hospitalized, Paul is expected to be transferred to a rehabilitation center soon for further treatment, including scans to assess any internal injuries.
Despite the unimaginable trauma and pain, Paul and Gail Cline have shown the world what true love and resilience look like. Their reunion โ eye to eye, hand in hand โ is a moment of hope after horror, and a reminder that even in the darkest of storms, the human spirit can shine through. Their road to recovery will be long, but with a nation rooting for them, they wonโt walk it alone.
If youโd like to support the Clines during their long recovery, you can visit theirย GoFundMe pageย for more information. So far, the couple has raised over $103,595.
