normal...?

I really want to write about our adventures of Memorial Day weekend, but I really can't bring myself to say anything other than that about the devastation of our city. Jacob and I have lived here for almost 7 years now, this is where we met, graduated from college and were married 4 years ago (as of June 2nd). This was where our first home is, where we found out our little family is growing and where our little furbabies joined us too. Joplin will always hold a special place in our hearts. As much as we couldn't wait to get out of this place as soon as Jacob was done with school, this has been our home. We have made friends here that have moved on and friends that have stayed, none of these people will we ever forget. It has been amazing to see this city grow with us since we moved here as individuals and continue to grow as a couple.

I don't even really know where to start, but I'm going to try. Last Sunday, one week and one day ago, an F5 tornado ripped through a lot of Joplin. I'm sure by now you've seen this city on the news somewhere, Joplin was on CNN and the weather channel and countless other channels over the last week, I think we even made international news. This was huge.

I have struggled a lot this last week seeing so many people hurting and feeling so helpless about what to do, other than cry with them, hug them, and tell them how happy we are that they are safe. No damage was done to our house in any way and we are all accounted for, I want to say that God protected us and kept us safe, which He did, but I feel guilty using those words when other people lost everything, including loved ones. I feel guilty that we still have our house and our family and that the only thing we lost in the storm was internet for a few days. The family I work for lost a lot of their things, but Amy has been such an encouragement to me and those around her this last week. She knows that stuff can be replaced, but is so grateful her kids and husband are safe that it speaks volumes about who she is as a mother and wife and friend. I hope that when the time of trial and trouble come in my life, I can face it like she has.

I have no idea what normal is anymore, and I don't think normal will ever be what it was. To look around this city breaks my heart for the people who live here and for this baby I have yet to even see. His first home has been torn apart before he even gets to see it with his own eyes, he won't ever know the beautiful place we used to live in. When he is born there will be empty lots where houses used to be, parks with no trees, and half a town that no longer looks familiar to its very own residents.

I hope now I can write about more fun things, until then keep on keepin on Joplin.