It's been exactly one week since hundreds of lives were turned upside down when a tornado touched down in Clark and South Pymatuning Township.

The tornado, classified as F-2 by the National Weather Service, heavily damaged dozens of homes -- 25 in South Pymatuning Township alone -- and completely destroyed nearly a dozen more. Many others suffered some kind of property damage when the winds, which topped 155 mph, whipped through.

Along with the siding and shingles, those winds carried away pictures and possessions and something more precious -- the life of Charles E. Templeton, 81, who was killed when his Nora Street house collapsed.

Over the course of the next year, The Herald plans to follow the lives of families affected by the tornado.

Jan and Jim Scott, Trish and Matt Mueller, all of Clark, and Tim Reeher and Becky Campbell of South Pymatuning Township have agreed to have their lives placed in the spotlight for the next year so readers can see what it takes to rebuild from loss and devastation.

These families were among many residents who had their homes damaged -- and in some cases completely leveled. Each has a story to tell about their experiences. The Herald plans to follow these families during their regular routines, through the holidays and special occasions and even during talks with insurance companies and contractors as they rebuild.

Sometimes life can become a strange journey, and sometimes trials and tribulations can make people stronger. Over the next year, we hope to learn something about the power of family and the strength to overcome.