Postcard from a Katrina refugee... Day 16

Greetings from our temporary haven in north Mississippi. My family and our five pets fled our home in southeast Louisiana on August 28 to escape the storm. We were lucky enough to find a hotel that suspended their "no pets" rule and took us in.

We learned last week from neighbors who stayed behind that our home is damaged and presently "uninhabitable". The good news is that it can be repaired, but it may take a while. So here we remain... 300 miles from home...Mr. kayleybeth and me and our handicapped daughter and our five pets in a hotel room. It's, umm... *cozy*, but we are not complaining. We have shelter and electricity and food and water and even cable television and some internet access. My older children are now staying with relatives in two different states until we can get everyone together again.

We are counting our blessings. I just feel so damned lucky-- and I start to cry every time I think of this-- that we had the means and the resources to get the heck out and get our family to safety. So many people did not have that luxury. From the safety of our hotel room, we watched the television coverage of the unimaginable horror and suffering in New Orleans. I kept saying over and over again, "That's only 30 miles from our house! People are dying of dehydration and exposure just 30 miles from where we live! How can this be happening? Why is no one helping them? " It's still just so unbelievable. Not only did it not look like New Orleans, it didn't even look like America.

Even in our own middle class, comfortable, suburban neighborhood, those who made the mistake of staying behind had horror stories to tell. Before the week was out, most of their food, water and generator fuel had been depleted. Some of the neighborhood pets, left behind when their families evacuated, were dying for lack of water. Looters were ransacking homes and stores for food and supplies. Many of our friends and neighbors have loved ones who are still missing.

I feel so unbelievably lucky. All of our loved ones are safe and accounted for. Our house can be fixed and our family will be reunited. There's so much to be thankful for.

I know that not everyone was so fortunate, including some on DU. My prayers and heartfelt good wishes go out to everyone who was affected by this horrible tragedy.

:grouphug:

:hug:

How did your family fare? I hope all is well.
:hug:

Good news all 'round! :thumbsup:

Glad to hear it.
:hug:

I'm so glad you are okay. All my love to you and your family!!
We adore you....but you know that!

:hug:

Thanks love. We adore you, too. Mr. kayleybeth says hey.
:hug:

How surreal that must be.

Best wishes to you and yours.

Thanks for your good wishes, tofunut.
:hug:

Happy that you and your family are safe and will be reunited. This storm has been so devastating to so many. I can't begin to say how sad I am at the fact that so many people have been uprooted from their lives and families.

Be well.

:hug:

:hug:

How did your family make out? Everyone okay?
:hug:

We're on the southeast corner of the state and didn't get much of Katrina at all. Hubby is in MS (Guard), but should be home this weekend.
Y'all take care. :hug:

Beautiful post. :hug: :loveya:

:hug: :loveya: back atcha.

for the senseless death and destruction.

My sentiments exactly.
:hug:

Phone cards, toiletries, reading material, hammer, nails, research services, government forms. Anything. I'm considering going down there at some point and volunteering with Habitat for Humanity. If your house still needs fixing, I'm there.

Thanks so much for your kind offer of help. Fortunately we have a little bit of savings so we are okay for now.

Kudos to you for volunteering with Habitat for Humanity. So many people are dependent on the kindness of strangers just now.

You may not know it but you are an angel.
:hug:

I'm so glad you are safe :hug:

I couldn't remember exactly where you lived but then I saw Mr. kayleybeth post on another board that you guys were all right - whew. I hope things get relatively back to normal for you soon. :hug::loveya:

I was worried.

I can't put into words my feelings about the devastation and lack of care for folks in the gulf. :cry: