Morning Mississippi

My prayers and thoughts are with you as you asess the damage done by Katrina in the early grey morning light.The devastation is vast, it is overwhelming and oppressive, it will weigh heavy on you for a long time. BUT all is not lost, GOD has not forsaken you.If you and yours are alive there is hope. Roofs can be repaired, buildings rebuilt. What's important is your family ,friends and those close to you have the most important gift and that is life. For those who lost loved ones from the storm my sincere condolances. For nothing is as precious as a loved one.For those of you who lost "things" allow yourself time to lament your losses but then count your blessings. Your Govenor(sp) said "Mississippians are a resourcefull people and a strong people and will climb up out of this destruction". He's right and you will not be alone. Other states are sending utility trucks and staff to help, there is water, food and supplies coming to repay the many times you helped others like us in Florida. This is not charity, it is repayment for your outstretched hand to us when we went through similar straights. Take care of your own but look about to see where you can help others. Watch each other for the signs of Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome. As my Grandmom said "there are days you just gotta put one foot in front of the other and keep going." Keep going my friends.

Dear Velna, it's a bit late for me to answer your morning post.. I'm sorry, this has shellshocked me and I've been busy all day trying to get information, trying to make decisions on what to do next. Tonight I got word that our home most likely has been spared as our housing area only sustained minimal damage. I hope and pray they are right. I have said it many times and I'll say it again, NOTHING is worth losing a life or a loved one over, those who didnt leave, sure I understand, you don't want to lose the little bit of stuff you have, but by all means, why jeopardize your family's safety if you just gotta get in your car and leave! I'm devastated by the large loss of life, they haven't confirmed any numbers yet, but it's dawning on some folks how bad it is. All the flooding!! And the levee breach in NOLA! Folks on their roof, waiting for rescuers! This is just terrible! Parts of NOLA up to 20 ft under water, whole communities and neighborhoods completely gone, washed away I will try to return in the next few days if they let me in. I can't just sit here and do nothing. If I make it home, I'll make sure to update everyone. To tell the truth. I am scared to death of what we all might find when we get home. Till tomorrow, Tomanip ! ~Andie~

Andie, Please do not try to go home yet .It is not safe for you and your child and they will not let you in yet. I know it's hard but for your childs sake if not for your own stay safe where you are. It will be a few days yet before you can get in. It is like a third world counrty,no power, no water, looting etc. Please Andie stay where you are.