Wednesday, June 1, 2011

Joplin, MO

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The power of wind is so amazing!

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Here are a few of the photos I took of my hometown. I was born, went to school, had my babies and met my husband in Joplin.

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I am one of the lucky ones though, as I moved away from Joplin 8 years ago. Only my memories are affected.

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Many have lost their homes, their cars, their jobs, and maybe even a loved one. My stepson lost everything, as you saw in the video previously. He is currently moving from house to house, staying with friends, trying not to wear out his welcome until he can find some stability.

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They are all different for having went through it. I am different for having seen it.

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The very next day, people were back up and out, and working together to fix the situation they found themselves in.

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A huge thanx to everyone pouring into the area to lend a hand, or a chainsaw, bottled water or food! Joplin feels very loved right now.

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The pictures do not share the magnitude of it. When you see the town in person, if you're familiar with the town, one of the first things you notice, is that you can see so very far, and that everywhere you look is flattened. The area of devastation is so large! It is incomprehensible!

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17 comments:

  1. shocked that more didn't die. Apparently they had a little bit of warning?

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  2. such powerful photos, I can't even imagine being there! Thanks for sharing@

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  3. I agree with Carly...these pictures are so powerful...so very moving.

    As you said though...unless you actually experience BEING there...it is difficult to comprehend the damage. Having driven through GA and seen the devastation there...on a MUCH smaller scale...it is truly unbelievable. I'm so sorry that your family has had to go through all of this. I do hope that your son is finding his way. Sending strength and prayers.

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  4. so sad, my heart goes out to everyone there ~

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  5. The devastation is unimaginable. I wish your stepson well, it's a difficult situation.

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  6. I'll continue to keep your step-son and everyone in my prayers. I can't imagine what you as parents went through and are continuing to go through. My heart breaks for all and seeing the devastation through your lens brings it more real for me. Thanks for sharing.

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  7. oh my. it just is hard to imagine. the one photo of the larger area where you can see street after street of houses gone... where would you go to take shelter from such a tremendous force? i hope your stepson and his son can find some new stability soon. God bless them...

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  8. I didn´t know you were from Joplin. I´m sure this was devastating to witness such a scene! My sympathies to you and your stepson!

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  9. Looking at the damage I am shocked my relatives survived, but very happy.

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  10. The devastation is so overwhelming...where do you even begin to start the cleanup. Prayers for all the good people in Joplin and your stepson who is trying to figure out what to do next!

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  11. Oh Lisa..I am so glad that your stepson is OK and I am so sorry for everyone in Joplin...terrible loss...my thought are with them....Michelle

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  12. It's all so unbelievable. I want to cry when I see images like these, and I'm not much of a crier.

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  13. These photos are just stunning and leave me without words. I can't even imagine how it must look in person. Sending good thoughts to all the good folks of Joplin.

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  14. The loss of all the trees is so sad.

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  15. been going backwards through your posts that I've missed, and this one did me in... My heart goes out to you, your step-son, EVERYONE who was affected by this tragedy. Well, my dear friend, I'm speechless...

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  16. I just discovered these pictures. I didn't know that you came from Joplin. What a terrible shock it must have been for you !

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