Friday, September 2, 2005

Outside Of The Flood Zone ...

  Dad and Panda ...

     The good news is they called today ... they're safe, they're dry and staying with a friend outside of the flood zone. 

     I'm sure it's not easy, living without electricity and other conveniences that they're use to, but compared to many of their neighbors ... life is good!

     I'm sure that the days to follow will begin to tell just how much has been lost. Dad owns a Flower Shop in the French Quarter and unfortunately, that's one business that won't be expecting to make a rapid recovery.

          My sister offered him a bedroom at her house and a floral designing job in her Party Decorating business here in South Florida. Obviously it's to soon to even begin considering what comes next, but we wanted to make sure he knows that he doesn't have to stay there in the middle of the madness, unless he chooses to (and like most ... he probably will). 

    It's hard to imagine what it would feel like to know that your home, your business and everything you own that didn't fit in the car, is under water. But ... for now just having food, water and a roof over their head seems like enough. It's funny how our priorities can change overnight when faced with something like this.

     I am feeling more than a little saddened by the fact that the Gulf Coast ... New Orleans in particular, was not more prepared to handle this storm. This was a disaster just waiting to happen, they've been expecting it for years ... they could have done more.

       Anyway ... thanks again for all of you kind words and concern and thanks to the many volunteers giving their time and recourses to the relief efforts.

        BTW ... my pick for J-link du jour is an entry called Footage From The Flood Zone written by Patrick from Patrick's Place and his following entry called Left Behind. Reading these entries made me feel so fortunate because but by the grace of God ... that cold have been Dad and Panda.

     Patrick reminds us about the pets that have been left behind and mentions another way to help in the disaster relief is through donations to Noah's Wish ... still praying that the relief will be greater than the need, if that's even possible.

                                                 

17 comments:

Anonymous said...

I'm so glad they are safe and sound.  What a relief to know they are ok.  My best goes out to him and the questions of what next??  
Michele

Anonymous said...

I'm glad he is safe but said he lost everything!

http://www.wildoats.com/u/recipedetail10335/

Psychfun

Anonymous said...

So glad about your dad.   Also, thanks for those links.  "Left behind" made me so sad.  I'm going to help out.
thanks again...
Nancy

Anonymous said...

Happy that Dad and Panda are safe!

xoxoxo
andi

Anonymous said...

Coy so glad to hear your good news....Ally

Anonymous said...

So happy that your family are safe.  We cannot understand why help is so slow getting to the people in New Orleans and Biloxi, hope it improves

Anonymous said...

I am glad he is safe.

Anonymous said...

Thank God that they are safe and that you have heard from them!
Candace

Anonymous said...

I am so happy to hear your dad and Panda are safe! I hope more families get the same good news :)

xoxo

Anonymous said...

appy to hear they are safe..........Kasey

Anonymous said...

I am glad that your dad and panda are ok. I am sorry he lost his shop.
He has probably worked hard his whole life to make it a success.
Its probably a really tuff time for him right now.
But the main thing is, he is alive.

Anonymous said...

I'm so glad your Dad & Panda are safe. I feel so bad & frustrated for all the people there. My heart goes out to all of them. ~ Lori

Anonymous said...

Glad that your Dad and Panda are safe. I am emotionally devastated by what happened and is happening in Alabama, Louisianna and Mississippi...

Anonymous said...

I am SO happy to hear that Dad and Panda are safe!  Such good news is welcome.  These are trying times for those with loved ones in the area.  

Anonymous said...

So very glad to hear this Coy!!!
Connie

Anonymous said...

Great news to hear your dad and panda are safe!

Anonymous said...

Great news!