While our eyes, thoughts and prayers are on Moore, Oklahoma; today’s date is one that is dear to our hearts. May 22, 2011. Joplin, Missouri lost many lives to a brutal tornado that tore through the town that Sunday afternoon. Though we no longer live there, we still visit a few times a year. Joplin has remained strong and continues to rebuild. They never lost hope.
Before
After
Before
Soon to be After Hospital
Before
Current “Mall” School
It warmed my heart to hear that some of the first people to respond to Moore’s tragedy? Joplin folks. Who knows better what they are going through?
My prayer is that Moore, Oklahoma, will also find and keep hope. Even in the little things. My parents were able to call ME last night! Why? Because a generous neighbor whose home cannot be lived in, brought them his generator to use until power is restored. They made coffee first thing! 😉 Folks brought them dinner! There is so much loss and devastation….but the little things make such a huge difference. We are so grateful♥ Continued prayers~
Keep rebuilding Joplin! Hang on to hope, Moore, Shawnee, Newcastle. You can do this. And you are not alone.
stuff i tell my sister 
What a powerful statement of hope, generosity and gratitude. Wow.
♥
Natural disasters are terrifying, prayers are going their way…….
Such good news to hear that your parents are safe, Paula. I’m wondering if they had a basement to protect them. I so well remember my dad scanning the stormy OK skies and saying “you kids head for the cellar!” Saying prayers and sending love.
Most houses here are built on concrete slabs. The soil is clay and holds water, so basements don’t work well here. Thanks for your thoughts and prayers, Delores ♥
thanks so much
Oh this is just so heart warming to read… the power of the people to look tragic cercumstances in the face and say “be off with you” we will rebuild and face you again if we must… is this not the spirit of the American Nation.?? I continue to pray for all affected by this storm may they all stand up and look nature in the eye with the tenacity of power within themselves.. God Bless them all…
Well said, Bulldog….since posting this I have had several “strangers” contact me…knowing we cannot get in….volunteering to take them food, drive them places, etc. Overwhelmed……♥ There is still good in this old world.
I ❤ Joplin. I was thinking about writing about Joplin today, but my photos are almost hard to look at now seeing how far they have come. Glad to hear that your folks are well and cared for. Oklahoma is OK 🙂
I was thinking about you Lorri, and your volunteering in Joplin. While my folks were out getting water, etc from the community center today…they came home and someone had cut up their downed trees and stacked the wood. The kindness of strangers….so blessed.
You know – I think that is the takeaway that people from other parts of the country are surprised by – we help our neighbors when thing like this happen. It’s how we live. I was wondering about this weekend – in Joplin we were actually encouraged to wait until after the first weekend to come because insurance adjusters were still assessing damage.
The folk’s adj is supposed to be there tomorrow. That is a big consideration. Wouldn’t wanna be in the insurance business right now!
Insurance is for times like this, isn’t it.
For sure….
The little things DO make a huge difference – it’s awesome to see how folks are making a difference…
xo
Yes it is!
It amazing to the human spirit how, in the depths of despair, kindness shines through.
May the communities damaged by this latest disaster heal and recover.
amen ♥
Beautiful…what a loving tribute, encouragement and message of solidarity. Thinking of you and your family all.the.time. Hugs ♥
hugs back atcha, Bonnie ♥ ty
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This never stop to amaze me about the American people that year after year, rebuilt their homes and their lives .. after the forces of nature. Some states are hit more than once per year .. and then the fires in California more or less every year.
Feel so sorry for anyone that are hit by nature, not much we can put against .. when it’s forceful like this. I lost 3 friends in the Tsunami, very unreal .. because in Sweden nature is very kind to us.
Wonderful post.
I am so sorry about the loss of your friends ♥ A reminder that we must treasure every day. Hugs ♥
So true … **smile … we never know what tomorrow brings to us.
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Here’s hoping that life returns to normal soon… I wish your parents, and everyone in Moore, the best…
Whatever normal is?!?!? 😉 But yes….though it may be a while….I know they appreciate your well wishes!
I didn’t know you also had ties to Joplin! Wow! I’m hearing and reading more and more stories of courage in the face of so much loss. I really can’t imagine, and that’s the truth–I can’t! But these are the times I’m quite grateful for news coverage like CNN–they are rightfully criticized sometimes, but they are able in their interviews and filming to bring stories all the way to me in California and others around the world, and give us a sense of what it is like for people like your parents and their friends. I was able to make a small donation to the Red Cross, but more than that, I’m praying. ox
We lived in Joplin for many years….then came back home to Oklahoma about five years ago. I too, have appreciated the coverage of CNN and FOX…since we couldn’t get “in” to Moore until Saturday…. We are just back home this evening. Many volunteers, so much accomplished for my folks AND their next door neighbors. We are relieved and so very grateful. Your contribution and sweet prayers are appreciated more than we could EVER express ♥ paula AND family ♥
While our eyes, thoughts and prayers are on Moore, Oklahoma; today’s date is one that is dear to our hearts. May 22, 2011. Joplin, Missouri lost many lives to a brutal tornado that tore through the town that Sunday afternoon. Though we no longer live there, we still visit a few times a year. Joplin has remained strong and continues to rebuild. They never lost hope.