Prayers for those in Joplin, MO and surrounding areas

[Meld256]

My heart goes out to all the families who have lost loved ones or have yet to find their friends and family.  Much of Joplin, Missouri is destroyed; very similar to the horrible tornado which struck Tuscalosa, Al last month.

My youngest son and his family live about 40 miles west of Joplin, in a very small town in Kansas.  The storm that spawned the Joplin tornado dumped 2 inches of rain on them, along with 2-inch to baseball-sized hail, and very strong winds.  Funnel clouds were also spotted overhead, but nothing touched down.

When I heard the news, I was calling him and since he was at work I didn't hear from him til hours later.  Makes for a nervous mama! They are all ok.

Anyone who would like to, please join me in prayer and good wishes for those in Joplin for them to find more people alive, and that the next round of storms coming through will not be as serious.
Everyone take care and stay safe.

Melinda

[Bucky]

Melinda - I'm glad your son and family are safe.  I'm sure you were quite anxious until you could actually talk to your son.

A friend of mine was telling me last night that her nephew lives in Joplin where the tornado struck.  He lived in an apartment and took refuge under a stairwell that saved him - some other tenants in the apartment building weren't as fortunate.     He is alive and unhurt and only has the clothes on his back left.  I just can't imagine going through such an experience.

With the ever changing weather we've been experiencing here lately (for the past year or so), we've got to be diligent to heed all the warnings that are issued.  I realize the people of Joplin didn't have much notice.  In reality, there are a lot more people who survived the tornado based on the short amount of warning they had.

I also think everyone needs to have a "plan" when bad weather is eminent - BEFORE you actually need to put it into action. 

I've seen tornado damage first hand on a very, very small scale - I can't image the damage from such a widespread tornado as the one that hit Joplin.

Blessings to all the people in Joplin as they have a long road ahead of them for healing, recovery and rebuilding.

Bucky

[Katybarstool]

Melinda and Bucky

I add my prayers to yours.

Kathyx

[Pisces24]

All those families are in my prayers too. 

My mother was from a smaller town of 10,000 too; I've been there many times; so I can imagine what it would be like and look like having that town wiped out.

[lynnmarie219]

Adding my thoughts and prayers as well...

[jason]

Can easily visualize the devastation and the horror and terror in Joplin.

Have lived in Tornado Alley most of my life...grew up east of Greensburg KS and helped out there after they were wiped off the map.

My prayers add to yours - and for all the rescue workers also.

jason

[CAT1962]

Absolutely praying! I live in Central Oklahoma. We had our share of garbage today. It seems like the storms are getting WORSE. Weird.

XOXO,
CAT

[Meld256]

Thanks to everyone who added their prayers and thoughts for those who are going through this horrific time.  Jason, you make a good point I should have mentioned: blessings and prayers for all the rescue workers, police, medical personnel, and neighbors who have come from many states to help. I learned today that Lexington, KY (my state) sent a team.

Yes, Bucky, I was anxious to talk with my son, and was so glad to hear from him. So good to know that your friend's nephew is alive and uninjured.

So many people have such a long road ahead of them...my continued prayers are with them all.

[Meld256]

Continued thoughts and prayers for those in Joplin and other areas.  My heart breaks for those who have loved ones still missing, and for those whose loved ones have just been identified after nearly a week.  I cannot imagine...I hope they can find some peace.

There have been stories of heroes, too.  I hope these are more widely spread;

The man who was a manager at the Home Depot who helped others survive but perished.  The young husband and father, a Pizza Hut manager who made sure all his customers and employees were safe in the cooler but held the door closed from the outside because there was no more room and was lost. Guy at the convienence store who let people in and got everyone in the cooler and all were safe.  Gentleman who I believe worked at the nursing home who helped 2 elderly ladies survive but himself perished.

These are true American heroes in my mind! I pray that the courage they had gives their families some comfort in their time of loss. 

[hikerknees]

Adding my thoughts and prayers.  Life is uncertain and therefore all the more precious.

[Meld256]

Well said, hikerknees...you're exactly right.  This truth has hit me so squarely this week.  I guess my thinking is that since my son lives so close, and travels to this area on occasion, it could have been him.

Of course, other areas have seen devastration, too. While I mourn for all of them, I realize how blessed I am.