My older son is an artist of some renown and lives in the city of New Orleans...or should I say "lived" in the city of New Orleans. He was visiting in Seattle at the time Katrina blew through, so the whole family is thankful for that. Yesterday he found out that his home in the Garden District is still there, but flooded. A considerable number of his various artworks are in the house...paintings, sculptures, lithographs, photographs, drawings. He feels that if he had been there, not only could he have saved some of his valuable work, but could have been of service to others. It is clear to see that he could have saved nothing; hardly anyone got away with anything but their lives if they were lucky. New Orleans is "home" to our family; we started out there, and this son has remained in the city that is a part of his soul. He is inconsolable. He, like others, cannot get to his beloved home. New Orleans will probably not survive, or if it does, it will not be the great city it was for generations to come. Oh how sad it all is. My tears just won't stop. I can give my money to the Red Cross or other charitable organization, but that is all I can do to help relieve the suffering of a population of half a million forced to leave their homes and jobs. I ask God for the answer to the mystery of why? He hasn't told me. Sadly, Diva

((((Diva))))

My prayers go out to your son and all of the people of New Orleans.  I sure do feel for all of them.

Much love JJ

Diva, I thank HP that your son was not there. The "why" of it will never be known. The situation is desperate. People are fighting and looting, not just for food, but guns. I pray that the authorities get control. It's very sad that the rescue mission had to be diverted from people who are hungry to get control of the streets. We have recieved one phone call from my Aunt and Uncle that lived in Biloxi to let us know they are alive. They are in a Walmart parking lot in Pensacola (about 75 miles away) that has become a refuge for many. She needs a heart transplant and was to start making arrangements (sign paperwork) the day of the evacuation. So getting her on the transplant list will be delayed (sigh). I assume they will have to start the paperwork all over. And from where? They left with the clothes on their back and I pray they grabbed her medical information, I just don't know. I do know that living in a van at a Walmart parking lot isn't the place for her. If her health fails even more, there is nothing anyone can do because she needs a transplant to survive and you just don't walk in to a hospital and get a heart. I've tried very hard to give it to God, and I can. But I still feel the angst of her dilemna. Handing it over does not stop my love for her and the gravity of her situation. So diva..all we can do is continue to pray, thank HP that our loved ones did survive and keep praying for the other survivors and ask that order be restored so even more people aren't hurt in what is already a desperate situation. Christy

Diva,

My prayers are with you and your son as well.  My friends and family still live in parts of Jefferson Parish, Westbank, and Terrebone Parrish.  Luckily my grandmother's home did not take on any water this time.  However, all my friends and family in Jefferson Parrish have lost everything.  It has been very difficult for me to keep focused on anything else but this disaster in my home town.  I feel for your son, even though I moved away New Orleans was still a part of me and my life.  I don't know if and when I'll be able to see my family in the future.  I just keep praying that there will be a solution for the people who lost their homes and their jobs.  I feel helpless as well, donating money to Red Cross is all I can do, but I want to do more. 

Stay strong

Dear Diva, I am so sad for all the people of New Orleans. When something this big happens, it is hard to appreciate the impact on ordinary families. One of the answers below cites someone waiting for a heart transplant..... you would think that would be enough stress to cope with. On 7 th July, here in London, when the suicide bombers did their worst, one of my sons was in the very area. All the mobile phones went down and it took 2 hours to establish that he was alive and well. All I can share with you is that moment, nothing else mattered, just that he had survived. Some years ago, we had a flood, when the river Thames burst its banks. Nothing like on this scale, no serious injuries, but, the stench of the water, the damage .... couldn't believe water can do so much harm. Also, took ages to dry out, and I kept feeling the damp, and, maybe imagining, the smell. Wish I could do something, anything, to help. Just want you to know, you and your family are in my thoughts. I can't comprehend what is happening. How can people go around looting, shooting etc.??? Wish it was different. Your loved ones survived, Diva, in the end, that is the most imprtant thing, now they can go on and build their lives. I know it is easy to say, but, when the chips are down, life is what matters, not possessions, even those things into which they have put their love and their hard work. Lots of love to you, Flora xxxx

Diva,

I have no answers. I would like to help in any way I can. I think about the Alanon program that brings us all to this site. There must be teachings in the 12 steps to help us all through disasters - natural or otherwise. This must be the creator's will and this seems to be life. For those of us not immediately effected it must be a challenge to rise to the occasion and help. For those directly involved it must be the challenge to look for inner strength and ask for help from a power greater then ourselves.

In support for all those impacted,

Nancy

(((((((((((Divia))))))))))),

My heart goes out to the victims of Katrina, your son included. it is so hard to sit back and watch and feel helpless. But all I can do is pray, and that is what I do.

Much Love,