JoMo, I am so very happy to hear that you are okay. We were all so very worried about you. I know that we don't know each other personally, but after sharing so many conversations with you about winter storms and various other things in our time on these forums I felt somewhat acclimated to you. I was so very worried and scared, but my worries and scares are now alieviated to some degree. Its never easy when dealing with something like this especially when you have to deal with the loss of friends/loved ones. I have given the forum a break, just concentrating on my personal job in the field of meteorology and trying to give myself a bit of a severe weather reprieve outside of what we've been dealing with locally up here. I just want you to know there are so many of us on here that care about you and care about the people down there. I am encouraging everyone I know to donate to the local approved charities and to volunteer if they can. I know one of our local met's on tv up here- he's a new guy- Kevin Phelps I believe is his name is from down there and did a lot of reporting for KWQC in Davenport, Ia. So we are all thinking about Joplin, and wish you all godspeed and warm thoughts and wishes. The folks of Missouri have always been kind to me, its a beautiful state, and they have helped us tremendously during a lot of our flooding disasters and we remember these things.
I thank the higher power that exists that you are okay. If you ever need to falk, vent, cry, please do not hesitate to contact me or a professional. What you have been through is very traumatic and there is a lot to deal with after going through something like this, just don't be afraid to show your emotions if you need to. Its so easy to internalize a lot of this and I don't advise to do that as it will just tear you up. Take care my friend and please continue to keep us all updated on things and what is needed, how things are progressing, etc.