Joplin.....

[DianaB]

I'm sure that most of you know that Joplin, Missouri, was hit by a tornado yesterday evening. Joplin is about 100 miles from me and is a place where we go shopping once in a while. So far the tally on those that died is over 100 and climbing.

I have a friend and a nephew that live there and thankfully they and their families are all safe. It's been hard to read on FB because with it being so close to us a lot of my friends have family there but so far everyone's been accounted for.

The tornado ended up being 1/4 mile wide and 6 miles long and it went right down a main street. A lot of people were in main stores and restaurants when it hit.

If you've ever wondered what it would be like to go through a tornado.....I found a video.....actually it's more sound because there's really nothing to see. You can hear what all they're going through and what they're saying. I will say that this is really difficult to hear.

Please keep Joplin in your prayers. My nephew, Seth, is headed out to see what he can do to help. It's so sad.

http://2011tornadooutbreak.blogspot.com/2011/05/1st-hand-videoaudio-of-joplin-mo.html

[JJJ]

That video sounded very scary.

I'm so glad all your family is ok. Can't believe 100 people just left just like that. My thoughts and energy to that small town.

[DianaB]

I was wrong. The tornado path was 1/2 mile wide and six miles long. Very sad.

[gja1000]

The tornado in Joplin is just horrible. I just can't imagine all that devastation in one location. I've been through some pretty bad ones, but nothing like that. It is just so sad. I'm so happy Diana, that all your friends and family are safe. I know what it is like to go through waiting to find out - the Oklahoma City tornado about 10 years ago affected about 20 of our family members. Cell service was not so good back then and so it took hours and hours to find out that everyone was OK.

[Janet]

When I finally got to see what had happened on the news it broke my heart for all those people. Then the newsman there on site was giving his report and broke down.....then I broke down. I wish I could go there and help.

[DianaB]

I saw where they were asking people to not come without checking in first. They are implementing their "Emergency plan"!!! If I'm right......then people should just show up and do what they can anyway.......more would get done and more quickly too!!!!

[DianaB]

I found out a couple of days ago that one of my FaceBook friends died of injuries from the tornado on Monday. I hadn't realized that she lived in Joplin but I did know that she had family there. Her name was Margaret Row and she was a very sweet person.

[gja1000]

Oh Diana, I'm so sorry to hear this. That tornado caused so much stress for so many people all around the country.

[Janet]

How awful Diana...I'm so sorry for your loss.

The weather is wrecking havoc everywhere and taking so many lives.

[judy]

I am so sorry Diana. What a terrible thing that tornado was, and how sad that you lost your friend.

[DianaB]

Thank you everyone. Margaret grew up in Fredonia and I remember her coming to church but I haven't really been good friends with her for some time. We were better friends with her brother and his family but I remember Margaret being a really sweet girl. I know that it's a big loss for her family.