Will Norton: The Most Powerful Story I’ve Ever Blogged

Some months ago I scheduled the blog post for this day, a Friday Flick Faceoff around the theme of natural disaster movies including Twister. Then the Joplin tornado happened, and I didn’t want to write that post anymore. Then I learned about the incredible life of Will Norton.

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On May 22, a devastating tornado hit Joplin, Missouri. Millions of people now know the story of Will Norton, the 18 year old who could not survive the storm that struck as he drove home from his high school graduation service.

The storm ripped him from his vehicle even as his father in the passenger seat struggled to hold him. A cell phone and graduation cap were the only thing found until Will’s body was discovered a few days later. He was reportedly reciting Scripture in those final moments. But the story goes deeper.

I first heard about Will through Amy, one of my original blogging acquaintances. Her family survived the deadly tornado despite harrowing conditions that she recounted in a powerful way. Her description of the town in the days following the tragedy will shake you.

I learned about the discovery of Will’s body when I came across a link Amy put on Facebook. She only added “What an amazing life. Thinking today about Will’s family and friends.” The search for the high school grad had come to an unhappy end, but Amy linked to a video called “50” by Will Norton. I got choked up when I watched it, kind of like the way I feel now as I write this.