After the tornado hit Moore, Okla., on Monday, and severely damaged two elementary schools, fearful parents scrambled to search for their children. Trenda Purcell, who found both her kids safe from harm, was one of the lucky moms.
In what could very well become one of the iconic moments from this tragedy, the moment when Purcell was reunited with 8-year-old Kamden is captured in this emotional video on OKnews.com. (Watch the full clip above.)
As the mom of two told "CBS This Morning" in an interview, she had walked over a mile to find Kamden outside Briarwood Elementary School, where he is in first grade. "I'm amazed that he walked out of that building alive," she told the morning show.
She had already heard that Kamden's older brother, Keegan, 15, was alive, but had to endure the terrifying search for her youngest. Once she wept and hugged him tight, Purcell told CBS, she turned to his teacher to give thanks for saving the youngster's life, along with all the kids in the class.
Indeed, teachers are emerging as true heroes in the aftermath of this tragedy. The "Today" show reported on Rhonda Crosswhite's efforts to save children's lives. She lay down on kids in a bathroom stall to protect them.
As of Tuesday morning, the medical examiner's office is still confirming the number of injuries and fatalities in Oklahoma City. Currently, they say nine children were killed by the storm.
WATCH: