The Glue

By Brandon Bell

Brandon Bell

Team Chapnick

STORY SUMMARY

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Over the past couple of years, Joana Trump has become the backbone of a household where two families have united to survive the COVID-19 pandemic and, more recently, the financial hardships caused by inflation.

In the newly-formed household of four adults and five children, Makenna Rairden, 10, battles a rare disability that only allows her to walk for short distances before needing assistance. Joana has raised the family to rally behind Makenna, her second eldest child, as they help her process feelings and develop emotional and physical strength. Joana has expressed the challenges of navigating the loss of neighbors and loved ones during the COVID-19 pandemic as well as the extra stress caused by the recent spike in inflation.

Every morning, Joana wakes the children, preparing them for school, and in the evenings, if she’s not working, she’s preparing the house for their return. With support from her husband Jeremiah Trump, she continues the search for a better paying job to keep up with the country’s economic financial strains. Joana is the glue that holds the two families together as they navigate the stress and financial tension brought on by inflation.

Joana Trump plays outside with her family and neighbors in front of their home on September 19, 2022, in Excelsior Springs, Missouri.

Joana Trump speaks with her children before school on September 20, 2022, in Excelsior Springs, Missouri.

Joana Trump and Sara Flowers do homework with their children Kynleigh Rairden, 7, at left, and Harley Flowers on September 19, 2022, in Excelsior Springs, Missouri.

From left, Joana Trump and Sara Flowers prepare dinner for their children on September 22, 2022, in Excelsior Springs, Missouri.

Joana Trump disciplines children in the neighborhood on September 21, 2022, in Excelsior Springs, Missouri.

Joana Trump comforts her daughter Makenna Rairden, 10, after coming from a job interview on September 21, 2022 in Excelsior Springs, Missouri. After coming home from a job interview, Joana sat with her daughter Makenna, comforting her as she expressed grief after having a challenging day at school.

Joana Trump sits in pain before going to work on September 22, 2022, in Excelsior Springs, Missouri. Joana prepared for work as she battled through fatigue and abdominal pain.

Joana Trump prepares her daughter Makenna Rairden, 10, for school on September 19, 2022, in Excelsior Springs, Missouri.

Joana Trump looks for her wallet in a Dollar Tree store with her children on September 21, 2022, in Excelsior Springs, Missouri.

Joana Trump lays on the floor in exhaustion after helping one of her children with homework on September 21, 2022, in Excelsior Springs, Missouri. After playing with her children outside, cooking dinner and helping with homework, Joana lays on the floor with a cigarette and beer while decompressing.

Joana Trump listens during a job interview on September 20, 2022, in Excelsior Springs, Missouri. After hearing of a job opening at the Title Max loan agency firm, Joana dropped the kids off at school, applied and got an interview the same day.

Joana Trump kisses her husband Jeremiah Trump after spending time with their kids on September 21, 2022, in Excelsior Springs, Missouri.

Brian Kratzer, Co-Director

Alyssa Schukar, Co-Director

Hany Hawasly, Technical Director

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