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Subscribe to RSSAmid the death and destruction caused by the massive tornado that pummeled Joplin, Mo., there are incredible tales of survival. NBC's Kevin Tibbles reports from Joplin.
By Kevin Tibbles, NBC News Correspondent
Joplin, Mo. – At times, the rain has been coming down in sheets here. But for a moment Tuesday morning there was a blustery, blue sky.
All it did was give the beaten up residents of Joplin a chance to assess what has been done to their little city.
The gym at Missouri Southern State University is filled with folks who've, quite likely, lost everything. Many don't even have shoes. I listened to a man this morning try to explain he couldn't eat because his dentures had blown out of his mouth.
There is also trauma here. Both mental and physical. The teaching wing of the university's medical facility is now filled with real patients. Doctors, nurses and clinicians from several states are now working long hours to help out.
After all, the big St. John's hospital is now a skeletal mess. It took a direct hit. A group of women, all seriously hurt and all bedridden could be forgiven for being a little disheartened; after all, they've lost everything.
Instead they joked with our NBC News camera crew. "We should have our own reality show!" one said. "Yes!" said another. "We're all survivors"
Reeling Missouri city braces for a possible second punch
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I am a Katrina survivor. Something like this can bring the best out in people (and the worst). You are not alone, and those of us who have been in your situation can totally relate. I think y'all need a little more help from FEMA to say the least. They need to bring in the "FEMA trailers" and other temp housing, clear the debris, and focus on the infrastructure. Sad as it sounds, New Orleans East, the 9th Ward, and much of St. Bernard Parish are wastelands. In some places, esp along the MS Coast (where I am from) there are still boats jammed into houses, debris in trees, overgrown slabs, and the infamous red "X" spray painted on buildings untouched. Best of luck to y'all. After the hurricane, economy, and then the oil and lack of progress, I have decided to tough it out in Wisconsin until I can go home. After 5 1/2 years, you would think things would be better, but they are not. G-d bless.....