Hello, Everyone! WOW...

Hello, Everyone! WOW! Thank you so much for your concern. I have been crying for TWO DAYS now. But not just because I'm sad -- also because I am overwhelmed at the GOOD THINGS that I hear. I have to focus on the positives or you will be bailing me out of a mental instituation! I am very concerned about Debbie Seymour and Anne. I can't remember Anne's screenname/sign on but she lives(lived) in Metairie and cared for her mother who was very ill. And where is Kelli Jones-Johnson? Can anyone give me news on them? And who else is affected by this that we know? What can I do to help? (I saw the post above and answered by I need some suggestions!) I'm OK right now. We have set up an apartment in Houston/Katy, TX. I have a new appreciation for what it means when your whole world as you knew it is gone forever. You know the saying, "It's here today but could all be gone tomorrow." Tomorrow has arrived. The "big one" ha**** the Big Easy which is now the Big Mess. It's surreal and then SO REAL it hurts. I have not yet been able to comprehend how the city will rebuild. The infectious disease problem alone is big enough to put off any building for a while. I just can't process it all. I have approximately 583 UNanswered questions. *sigh* Would anyone like to start trying to answer any of them? Noone I have been in contact with can give me ANY answers. In this day of communication and information, that is very difficult for me (a researcher) to comprehend. As for Katy, TX and all of Texas that I have experienced, the people here are so nice that I continue to wonder if I have "Hurricane victim" written on my forehead!!!! They are that nice!!! I don't think I could live here forever. WHERE ARE THE TREES? The girls are in school and today Taylor came home with a bag full of daily necessities and various gift cards to purchase things. I was overwhelmed and cried (AGAIN)! Now I understand what those little things do for people who are displaced and/or the soldiers in the ME. Do not underestimate what the the littlest things can do for someone! I miss my OH community. I do not have a computer set up but I'm working on that! We cannot get necessary information that we feel we need to continue to make informed decisions for our family. In this day of information and communication, that is very difficult to accept! Did I say that already? Thanks again. We covet your prayers the most -- there are so many that are in dire straights. I've been able to secure a place to live and am trying to develop a life and routine for us. But the others! Oh my! I am overwhelmed with grief. Love, Vanessa

Vanessa! Oh, my heart is skipping a beat, I'm so excited to see your post right here before me. I'm real familiar with the Slidell/Mandeville area and the extensive damage that isn't getting as much national attention as New Orleans, but is just as tragic and heart-breaking to me. An effort joining ObesityHelp and local bariatric centers are preparing a relief effort for the special needs of bariatric postops. Can you please send me an address where you can have stuff shipped to or if you prefer, we can get supplies to you through the Neweigh office in Houston. With traffic being so tough, we can probably mail directly to you. Can you please tell me what bariatric postops items you usually use. We will have protein bars, supplements, vitamins and all the basics, but if you need something in particular, the vendors are ready to "make you cry again." We want your needs to be met and for you to feel loved (and greatly missed). Kelli Jo as relocated with the kids to Arkansas. Vickie gave me contact information on her. Chrissy C is in Pensocola. As you find other displaced OH family members from your area, please let me know so I can make contact and make sure they have everything they need to stay healthy and on track. There are doctors offering aftercare to other surgeon's patients and I'm sure we can find one willing to see you in your current area. Most of all, I'm so thankful that you and your precious family are safe and sound. It has been golden hearing from you. Onward, Frances

Vanessa, No words can say what I feel for all that have been touched by this catastrophe. I am so relieved that you are safe. I cannot even imagine what a nightmare this must be to those whos lifes have been changed in such a short time. My heart actually hurts for everyone who has been touched in any and all ways by this disaster. Although I have given money, it just seems like so little, however please know that all will be in my thoughts and prayers many times a day. Please try and pull the strength from your faith and stay safe. You know Vanessa, this puts a new meaning to, we are not strangers just friends that have not met yet. Keep us posted as you can and please feel free to email me at anytime if you need an ear. May God Bless you and yours, Fran (In Jersey)