For those who survived Katrina

[flowergarden]

I am totally amazed by the damage done to the Gulf Coast area of the US, in particular Louisiana, Tennessee, and Alabama. My heart goes out to all of you affected personally. To those who had to move, those who couldn't move, and those who are just barely surviving now--I really don't know what to say. I don't think anyone could have predicted the dimensions of this disaster.

All I can do is pray and donate what I can to relief agencies.

I hope the stress hasn't put all of you lupies into flares. I also hope you took your meds with you when you evacuated.

I hope those of you who are still connected to the internet will keep up posted on what's going on in your area.

With lots of gentle hugs and a shoulder to cry on. :hugbetter: :hugbetter: :flowers:

[macfamily53]

Dear Flowergarden

I ditto what you said and that mean i second that. I have been praying everyday and thinking of all of them down there.I cannot do a lot for anyone but I am praying that anyone that did not get there drugs will get them real soon. Please know that we are all thinking of you and hope for a quick clean up and if it is possible for things to get semi back to normal.I send lot of :love: :love: :hugbetter: . Hope to hear something from one of you real soon.

[Clare.T]

Yes indeed - I'd like to send deep sympathy to all our US friends on behalf of us Brits.
It is deeply shocking, unimaginable that it could happen at all and how much suffering it is causing.
Disasters can't be compared, but there is one aspect of this that is very striking, the fearful reminder of our basic vulnerability, even when we live in countries blessed with a seemingly unlimited resources, and all sorts of advanced technologies and skills.

I trust our friends directly affected will update us as soon as they can. You and everybody else so cruelly afflicted are in our thoughts and prayers

Wishing all Well

Clare

[jude mack]

Ditto to all. As I watch the news, I'm horrified by what has happened.
I'm am praying everday for those who have been so unfortunate. This
type of disaster is so harsh and hard to grasp. My heart goes out to all
my State side friends and family. Take care Jude :huh:

[weedhopper]

I agree. All those in the gulf hit by Katrina are in my prayers and thoughts daily. As well as the distraught family and friends worried for thier loved ones. Seeing and hearing on the news what horrid experiences our people are having to live through breaks my heart and brings me to tears. I pray that all the survivors still in NOLA are evacuated soon and for all those affected to be able to recieve basic nessesities of food, water, dry shelter and medications asap. i've donated, but wish there was more I could do. :hugbetter:

[raggedyann1]

I too have been overwhelmed by the pictures I see on TV and in the papers. One headline this week seemed to say it all. Katrina is our (usa) tsunami. I have been praying for everyone down in that region and we are going to donate what we can thru a bonified organization.

Karen

[jhmom]

My thoughts and prayers are with all the people affected by this devastating storm. Its heartbreaking to watch the news as I could not imagine what they are going through. :flowers:

[Lily]

Yes me too, I am shocked and saddened as the magnitude of this unfolds. As Clare so succinctly put it doesnt matter where we live in the world , how affluent a country or not we are, disasters like this make all of us vulnerable.

I am keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers. I hope with all my heart that you are all safe soon and that they can get things rolling and help those that are stuck there in such appalling conditions.





:hugbetter: :hugbetter: :hugbetter:

love
Lily

[zara]

This situation with Hurricane Katrina has me so sad right now. Seeing how the poor, old and sick are suffering really has me ashamed that not more had been done to get those people to a safe location from the beginning. It is one thing to tell people that they need to evacuate, but another to provide them a means of doing so.

Another thing that saddens me is that while a private hospital in New Orleans was completely evacuated--patients and staff--the public hospital that takes poorer patients still is not. I'm not sure why that is, but i've been watching the news waiting for answers.

I wanted to mention that my employer matches donations that I make. Some of you should check and see if your employer will do the same.

[meg4340]

Hi all..

As you know, I am in Louisiana....We live about 150 miles north of New Orleans. Our area didn't sustain any damage from the storm, but our town is housing about 6,500 evacuees at present and more are coming. It is an overwhelming situation. The rescue efforts have been impeeded by flood waters and people with guns shooting at them. It's so sad. There are still thousands to be evacuated. The next problem Louisiana will face (they say) is a health crisis of "epic proportion". See, these New Orleans people are wading in water up to their waist or shoulders and this water is full of sewerage, dead bodies (human and animal), chemicals, etc. Then these people are being evacuated all over the south. They are expected cholera, typhoid, hepatitis, e.coli....it's awful!!! It is sooooo hard to watch that kind of human suffering in our own state...Thanks to all that have and will continue to donate...This is going to take a LONG time!

Love,
Karen
Louisiana

[LilliesPad]

I can only repeat what everyone has already said. One thing I keep praying for is that the assault that the gangs of thugs have initiated on the very people who are trying to rescue the devastated occupants of New Orleans will be brought to justice in short order. I also think the rescue efforts have been aided by certain reporters in the media who have brought attention to the atrocities that are taking place in the Super Dome ,the Convention Center as well as overpasses and other places. God bless all those who have the compassion and ability to help in this horrible disaster and may God bless all Americans as we attempt to help in the healing process of these devastated areas.
Lillie

[rwb200]

I would like to echo the feelings that many others have expressed here and will keep all in our prayers.
I would also like to add a word of thanks to all of the others out there from the many countries that either have or are sending aid to our country in this time of crisis.
Not only does this effect the people in these areas directly but it should help to warm the hearts of all of us for the feelings of Love and Symapthy that so many other nations have shown to us at this time.

Thank You all we can not begin to thank you enough or to tell you just how much it means to us as a nation.
It shows that this world is truely a very special place with many careing and loving people.
You may never hear it anywhere else but your efforts in our behalf are recognized and appreciated.

[Lily]

Just bumping this back up to remember those who lost their lives, their loved ones, their homes or their livelihoods this time last year :sad: :hugbetter: You remain in our thoughts and prayers.

love
Lily