It is so heartening for me to read all of your comments, concerns and prayers for the residents of a small mid-western town name Joplin, a town most people have never heard of. I grew up in Springfield, MO, about a 45 minute straight east on I-44, my Aunt, Uncle and 3 cousins have lived in Joplin for over 30 yrs. My Grandmother is buried in the Joplin cemetary. I spoke to my Mom earlier tonight (it is her brother who lives in Joplin with his family; Mom lives in Springfield) and she still has not been able to make contact with him. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.
I spent a lot of summers in Joplin as a child and the pictures I have been seeing are stunning. It is unrecognizable. Growing up in that area it has been strange for me, living in NYC, to see all of the local newspapers, as well as the national papers, like the NYTimes featuring Joplin on their front pages. Being so far away from my family, that actually makes me feel a little closer - knowing that the rest of the country is aware of the devestation and have nothing but well wishes and concern for the Joplin residents.
Thank you all - it means alot. Joplin may be but a small speck on the map but the families and the community are larger than life to those who live there. It is a pretty insular community and a lot of the people who live in Joplin have lived there their whole lives, built their lives and lived their lives there - it is all they have. It is their home. Please continue to keep all of the residents in your thoughts and prayers and make donations through the various relief orgs. if you are able.
