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.