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Since I hadn't posted an update, in quite a while, and Tuesday marks the 1 year anniversary, I thought I'd share this.

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/Fm2XYufwKiE" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

The UAE just gave a multi-million dollar donation for a neonatal unit at the successor to St John's Hospital.. Muslims giving money to a catholic institution, what strange bedfellows indeed.

One year ago today.

Good thoughts for the people of Joplin today. I'm very proud to be a Missourian, and I'm in awe of the spirit of the Joplin Community.

Here's video footage from St. John's Hospital Emergency Room when the tornado hit. Yikes...

<iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/vgKzq58UMNM" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

I wonder what happened to the ghost reading the magazine before it hit?

Dunno, but that was very haunting.

Their are security cameras from the joplin schools on youtube as well..

apparently when getting hit with an f5 tornado the best thing to do is grab ahold of a security camera

It's hard to believe but a year ago right now I was wading through the rubble by the hospital trying to get to my grandmothers house. I'll be honest it's been a rough year.

I've seen more than I care to share, but the one thing that will stick to me is the compassion of complete strangers. It's about this time at night when I saw the convoy of trucks from God knows where pouring into the city. In a better situation, they would have had a ticker tape parade. It is something that I will never forget.

For all that helped and prayed and wished us well I thank you.

What percentage of the destroyed area do you think has been rebuilt at this point?

It's hard to put a number on that. The majority of the businesses that are rebuilding have already done so on Rangeline. The new hospital will take a while.

In terms of residential, I think it will be different in the way it is planned so I don't know if it will ever be the same.

I do know this. I can stand on Rangeline and not see St. Johns any longer.

<iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/zQQqX5ln4vs?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Yep, a family friend lived in that area and barely got out alive.

Well, that's something. Best of luck to you and everyone else down there.

Thank you sir. Although I moved in January, I still consider myself a Joplinite. They fought back hard and I am proud of them.

did you guys get to meet obama?