Missouri News

I normally don't blog as to where I am, wishing to keep my comings and goings (attention burglars!) private, but I'll make an exception here. I'm in Missouri working for a few days. As I drove through the airport area of St Louis, I could see the damage from their tornado a few weeks ago, trees torn up, businesses destroyed, houses with roofs missing. It looks like a two year olds tantrum compared to Joplin. The local papers show much more coverage of the devastation than you see on the national news.

Please say a prayer to those folks. The pictures you've probably seen don't begin to show the extent of the devastation and the number of lives lost continues to grow. If a nuclear bomb had gone off you'd not see much difference in damage. To add to the problems there were some storms yesterday and a forecast of more severe ones with possible tornado activity today, while search and recovery efforts are underway.

I also ask that you add in one big, special prayer for Missouri native and pilot Amanda Franklin. Amanda was severely injured in an accident many many weeks ago, suffering multiple broken bones and 3rd degree burns over 70% of her body. Her husband, Kyle, who with her, does one of the classiest acts in the Air Show circuit, was burned in his attempt to free her, but is recovering , unfailingly by her side. She was doing much better after surgery and grafts but has taken a turn for the worse. I didn't know them personally but having been active in airshow support, I'd met both their Dads. Like many aviators, I have been following their story and courage since the accident.

As I start a day on much too little sleep I can only say thanks for all I have, a home intact, friends safe and sound, and someone who loves me with his own strength. We should all be so blessed.
- Brigid