Michele and Betty ~ You and all the volunteers are truly angels.....Our hearts are breaking for all those devestated but we are so inspired by your efforts and your goodness.

Michelle and Betty, Bravo for what you have done and are doing.

Marc, my company is matching Americares' contributions. I'm afraid that so far this is the least we could do.

I'd love to foster a pet from down there, but don't know how to go about it.

I just think the goverment wheather local or federal should learn from this. Galveston learned in 1900 and built a seawall. I don't know if that would stop a Cat 5, I've never been there. But we do know that we are in the up part of a hurricane cycle. I use to listen to my aunt talk about the hurricane that leveled everything where she lived near New Bedford Mass. in around 1935. Every city is at risk that's on the Gulf or Alantic coast and this has been happening for all time. A hurricane stopped the British cold in the war of 1812 after they burned down half of DC.

It just seems sad to keep watching history repeat itself. We have to do more to protect the people that are living hand to mouth and just can't jump in their car to get out of town. This could be NYC or Boston and it's not if, it's when. This is the richest country in the world and there is no excuse for this lost of life while some politicians stick their fingers in the wind. They had two days warning, there is no excuse.

So Michelle, your the man as I sit here and enjoy my cup of gormet coffee. There shipping people into Tucson this week and they will be here for a long time, maybe forever for some. I best put my coffee down and go see what I can do.

Los Angeles got it's first wave of refugees yesterday. I think that many will end up staying permanently in their temporary new homes.

The newspaper today listed many of the historical sites in NO and what the status was. Antoine's and Commander's Palace had major damage. Galatiore's had none (per the paper), No status on Preservation Hall. The Mint, Cafe DuMonde were without damage.

And the bartender that was mentioned above? He was a Medic in the service and is stitching people up with injuries while he is serving up warm beer!

I'm with Chip, as I am sure many are, so I will ditto his statement as it reflects my thoughts. Being that we are almost on the other side of the country and not able to pitch in directly as Michelle, Betty and others have(bless you all) we can only pray and send much needed $$$ for relief, for the people firstly, but also for the poor animals.

It is also sobering for us who also live in an area where we say "it is not a matter of it will, but when it will strike..." We already figured out that we need to restock our earthquake preparedness kit not for 72 hours like they have suggested in the past, but for 168 hours (7 days). The biggest lesson I learned is that as much as we want to rely on the local/federal government to provide help and support immediately after a disaster of catastrophic proportions, we may be our own for a FEW days. I do hope that Katrina is a wake up call for all involved, going forward. Those uncessary deaths should not be in vain!!

Joann, It sounds like Frank's sister and brother-in-law were actually among the luckier people. I am sure it is a terrible time for them, but thankfully they have their lives.

Trish

Michelle and Betty, a bravo from me for giving so generously of your time.

JoAnn, in a hurry tonight and didn't read this thread thouroghly. So glad your relatives are safe. It must be a big relief. Hope you can enjoy your cruise now.

Wow, Michele...thank you for going above and beyond. Incredible...

Hello from the Astrodome,

You guys are too kind - your comments are way beyond what I deserve here. You all are making a huge difference ALSO. I see it with my own eyes. Your enthusiasm is coming through to these people very well. (And they don't even see TV - thank goodness for now.) We just tell "our guests" constantly that everyone across the country is helping & really caring. That really makes them feel so good. So, please know that at least here in Houston on the ground floor, your efforts are so appreciated.

Just a comment or two as to what's happening now in my Astrodome world. Today, it's the "money" thing - We're handing out the $$ cards. We're all holding our breaths that this will go without a problem. Pray for us!! This part is scaring me. I know there will be tempers flaring up. Tons of police will be there. Thank goodness I don't have to go in until later today....

There were so many concerns that we wouldn't be able to handle this for the long haul...well, I can see that we just MIGHT be able to handle it (praying for the $$money project today to go well) thanks to all of you out there. I just worry now about volunteer "burn out". (I really thought I was OK & could go forever, but, today, I'm feeling pretty worn out.)

We appreciate other states opening up for them. It's so important to spread out to avoid a health problem. This seems to be making a huge difference. At least I don't feel like Scarlot O'Hara anymore (as depicted in the scene where Atanta's burning when she walks through row after row of thousands of wounded soldiers...in the movie Gone With The Wind)... The numbers are thinning now. Churches are adopting them in huge numbers for the long term. Thank you for accepting them as many of you are getting involved now. (Many are afraid to leave & we understand since they really can't handle more trama of any kind.) I walk the floor hearing the announcements "Buses leaving for New Jersey & West Virginia..." It's so sad to hear this...But, I know it has to be done. I see many tears again - then I see the buses empty hours later. No one got on. So, hopefully, this will work itself out but we aren't insisting they go. We'll just handle it somehow.

I finally landed the job I really love. I work with the Red Cross coordinator on the lost children's project. I drive around in a golf cart between the Astrodome, the Reliant Hall, & the Astro Arena (all holding thousands) with 3 walkie talkies & a cell phone, keeping track of the latest developments. We have the most unusual situations....all heart-
wrenching, but they're making a lot of progress. We get so excited that we actually are jumping for joy when we can find a child (after many MANY phone calls & man hours) & get them either out of harm's way (you wouldn't believe these kinds of stories) or matched up with their families. Anyway, it feels so good & the results are happening. Kids are ALREADY registered in nearby schools & are getting all dressed up for picture day! They are so excited because they are being met with open arms by their teachers & fellow students. What a wonderful thing to see America! (Please show this, news media...!!)

I will go out on a limb here so I apologize if I upset anyone. I would never voice my opinion if it weren't for the fact that I'm seeing one thing & viewing "another" on TV. PLEASE take what you hear on TV with a huge grain of salt. I come home & am horrified at what I see being reported...We all end up saying the next day, "That's NOT the truth!!!" For example, we did register all the evacuees names & addresses, etc., when they came in. It was reported that we didn't & that it's impossible to find families and match them up with lost loved ones. Well, I can tell you that that's just the lowest of controversial issues that is not true. (I personally registered thousands those first few days.....) I could go on and on. From what I see, Greta on FoxNews has the most accruate reporting.....I thought that Oprah would be able to make a huge difference with these people....questionable to say the least. Some TV news organizations & famous people are bordering on yellow journalism & severe irresponsibility. (I base my opinions strictly upon what I see with my own eyes & ears...to me that's called "the truth".) Famous people & the media don't need to cause a riot by acting irresponsibly-we've all worked TOO HARD to get these people calmed down here & hopeful for their progress to be RUINED!! I have to say, that IF such persons whip up negativity around these people, a lot of us and YOUR $$$$ WILL go down the drain.)

Anyway, patience is definitely going to get us through with the money issues, process issues, frustrations, etc. etc. Everyone is working so hard to get them jobs & private places to live. That's the best answer of all. We believe many may end up having a better life than before...they could end up with a job & taking care of themselves rather than relying strictly on the government....most are so eager! I had lunch the other day with 3 women who are some of the more educated (software engineers) & they have already found jobs with the Houston public school system. We toasted them in front of the masses...everyone cheered.

Children are being encouraged to help us with set-up for meals - they get a little toy for helping. I love training them & writing notes for them to show how hard they worked with us. This is a great thing. I wish you could see their SMILES:)!! Many many of these people are helping us help them.

Chip, I loved your "the man" comment. I know you're out there helping - take care to not volunteer for too much in the beginning! (I found that out the hard way.) That goes for the rest of you doing the same...Anne, take care of New Jersey!..they're comin'!! You ALL are making a huge difference. When I saw thousands & thousands of volunteers showing up, I knew this was history in the making.

Now, if only I could sleep. Just too many images in my head to settle down. I was told to take a break & then come back. I think it's probably good that we tell each other that so we don't crack.

I will always treasure your kind words.

Michele

Wow Michele! You are a hero in my and many peoples' eyes! Thank God for you and all the other volunteers, etc. It is heartwarming to see how so many evacuees are moving on with their new lives or trying to. I agree that many of them may find a better life than they had in New Orleans, but of course, it will be a very tough road. There are so many opportunities in our country.

You deserve a break and I hope you can get some rest.

Michele,

Ginny said it - "Wow"!!!! You are truly amazing. Your efforts are tremendous and appreciated by the entire nation. Houston and the evacuees are lucky to have you there to help share the load.

Thank you so much for sharing the real story through your eyes. Now is certainly not the time for the blame game and constant negative reporting by the media. We need to hear the good things going on and have hope for all the evacuees and our entire county. We need to keep in mind the great nation that we are. You are living proof of the spirit and heart of our country. Thank you again from the bottom of my heart for all you are doing.

Michele, Thanks for the media comments. Everyone has a right to make money in this country, but the media, trying to be first with the most grusome story to get ratings, just shows what you have said to be true. We have an local Tucson reported who has embedded himself in all this and they are touting his daily diary. You know what, I don't care what he thinks. He reports on how to take care of your cactus when he's home.

This is bad, but I want to know the truth. Not the reporters that just make stuff up. I better quit here.

Tucson has many people in their convention center. They are full up for volenteers. A lot of these people will be staying here because there is nothing left to go back to. We need to find them jobs and a place to live. An apartement complex has cut their rates in half for these people.

Anyway Michelle you are still the man. You are at ground zero. That will be remembered by all.

Michelle - Let me add my thanks as well. You and the other volunteers are heros - and heros as well for painting a truer picture than the media portrays. Hope you can get some rest!

Michelle, you are doing such an important job!!! We're very proud of you and the other heros working so hard!! Thanks for telling the way it is, not the way the media always slants everything!!!

Michele,

You are such an incredible woman! It's an honor to "know" you (I do hope someday we can meet). Your tireless work and concern is beyond words!

We are inundated with reports and visuals. Media. in events such as this, often times take a very distorted slant on things. And then there are the celebrties who are more self-serving than generous with no hidden agendas. I am not pointing a finger at all celebrities, but quite a few are guilty of this. Your honest and first hand view is real, refreshing and so appreciated.

Thanks so much for sharing your experiences with us. If each of us do our share, in any way we can, we can all make a difference in someone's life. You have done more than your share and I am in awe of your efforts and generosity of giving of yourself!

Take care and please let us know how you're coming along and how the effort is moving along, as well. Blessings to all who are trying so hard to cope, survive, and move forward with their lives! And to those volunteers working to make a difference - bless you all, too!