The tornado that hit Joplin 2 weeks ago was horrific. I became glued to the news coverage, as my heart broke for all of the people who were effected.
Amongst the many (many) sad stories of devastation and loss, I saw the Norton Family on CNN. The woman speaking (who would later become known to me & thousands of others simply as “Aunt Tracey), was asking for help finding her nephew Will. Will Norton, who was a popular YouTube blogger, was on his way home from his high school graduation when the tornado struck his vehicle.
The official “Find Will Norton Facebook page” updated the growing virtual community on the status of their search and what this one family was enduring on a daily basis. At times, Aunt Tracy’s Facebook updates would receive over 1,000 comments- people (many, like me who have never met the family) flooding the page with their thoughts, prayers and well wishes.
The story is without a doubt full of tragedy, but when looking at the 2 wk old community with over 50,000 members that was born through it, it is also a story of the strength and comfort found in an online community.
Today was Will’s memorial service.
If you would like to donate to the city of Joplin’s relief efforts, you can do so in Will’s name via the widget below.
