An EF-5 tornado swept through my hometown of Joplin, Missouri on May 22, 2011. The rain-wrapped storm created a path of destruction one mile wide and six miles long across the town of 50,000 with a focus on residential neighborhoods. The number of fatalities now stands at 154, including deaths from injuries sustained from the day of the tornado. It was a time in the history of Joplin that will never be forgotten. The town has a long road to recovery. My family members and friends were among the lucky ones who survived, though everyone who has a connection to Joplin has been affected by this tragedy. I photographed the aftermath of the storm the following week with my parents, in-between salvaging my grandmother's belongings and spending time with longtime Joplin friends while they attempted to adjust to their new circumstances. There is a work ethic that lies within the residents of Joplin and I know will create stronger residents post-tornado. They have a collective hope and a community that will take care of each other. This slideshow is to remind them that it can only get better from here.
