Shock and Awe
Yeah, I know you’ve heard that phrase before but I’m stealing it. I can’t think of any other way to better describe what I’m feeling. And, you could say that Hurricane Katrina has executed a mother nature style of Operation Shock and Awe on the gulf coast mid-south. The situation that has unfolded after the storm is simply mind boggling, and it appears that it will likely have major long term effects on the entire country. I’m now officially a refugee, with no home and virtually all of my personal possesions are wiped out. The only things that I was able to grab were a couple pair of jeans, shoes, a few shirts, toiletries and my medications. When we woke up early Sunday morning and saw that the strength of the storm had increased overnight and was headed almost directly over New Orleans we quickly decided to bail. We also saw that they had called for mandatory evacuations for our area in Jefferson Parish.
That began one very long journey of bumper to bumper traffic headed north away from the city. Some highways were restricted by police because they were already too congested for more traffic and I was forced to go almost due north. It took me nearly 10 hours at the wheel to go a distance that would have ordinarily taken less than 2 on an ordinary day. At first I was going to go to my brothers place in Hammond, La. but they decided to leave as well because his home was very near to the path of the storm. After a few phone calls on my cell between me and my family we decided to meet up in Dallas, Tx. Maggie of Maggiez Farm had been planning to come visit me in N.O. next week and I called her and we talked about me coming to see her instead. I decided to spend one night in Dallas on the road and the next morning I left early and headed for Arizona which is where I am at the moment, writing this post from her PC.
Her generosity and kindness has been overwhelming and I feel very welcome here, she has opened up her home to me to stay as long as I need, although at this point in time I’m not sure how long I will stay. I will be playing that by ear depending on the situation in N.O. Hopefully they may allow people into the area soon to retrieve whatever personal belongings that we might have remaining, but moving back there will likely be a matter of weeks and possibly months before the area can actually support a population.
I just now got a call from my mother in Dallas and she has informed me that the house is still standing but the roof looks heavily damaged, and also it appears that the huge oak tree in the middle of the backyard may have fallen over onto the house. The details are a bit shaky, some of you may recall a picture that I posted before of the front of the house, and from the street out front it always looks like that tree is leaning against the house because it so large. So, we’re still not sure. There is also no news whatsoever of the welfare of my grandmother and uncle that stayed behind. Right now that is my biggest worry, I really hope they are ok.
I got to read some of the comments that you guys left on my last post and the outpouring of love and sympathy from you all actually moved me to tears, and I’m not one to cry very easily! I’m going to keep you all informed of my situation as best as I can! I don’t think I will be able to access my regular ISP’s email address so if anyone wants or needs to contact me you can try sending to my biteseven at gmail.com address. Thanks everyone for caring, hugs and kisses!!!!
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I’m so glad to hear that you’re ok and somewhere safe. I hope all of your family is safe as well. We were worried about you!
That’s awesome of Maggie to take you in. I hope everything else comes together very soon.
HUGS!
I’m so happy you are safe and sound! And I’m sending good thoughts to your Uncle and Grandmother. Godspeed to you and yours my friend.
CNN has an email address set up (hurricanevictims@cnn.com) where you could try reporting them missing. It may be worth a shot, darlin’
There’s also this link where people have been leaving their names/other info to let others know they’re okay.
I hope if you can try it out, it’ll work for you…
Sending you huge hugs and lots’a love, Se7!
Sev, I’m happy you and your family are ok. And hope, too, that you get good news regarding your grandmother and uncle. Nature truly is awe-inspiring in so many ways. I sincerely wish the best for you and everyone who has to deal with the remnants of the beast. Give Magz a hug for me, and make her give you one from me. Thinkin’ ’bout ya.
Big hugs and lotsa love–if you need anything email me–serrathescented at gmail dot com.
I’m glad that your house is still there; a roof is expensive to fix, but that you have a house, with your possessions inside, is wonderful under the circumstances.
I’ll continue to send white light for your grandmother and uncle; I hope you’ll have good news about them soon!!
So happy that you’re safe!
I will keep your family in my prayers, though.
With so much chaos going on there, it could be a long time before they let ANYONE back in! So scary…and so sad.
*big crushing hugs*
just so glad you’re safe darlin… you’ve got mail. *hugs*
Glad you’re okay. Travelin’ man, though, you are.
(hug)
You know you have never been out of my thoughts and prayers my love. I can not even invision what you must be feeling or have felt just know I care and will help anyway I can. I hope you are able to find out about your grandmother and your uncle soon. Just know you are alive and do have some of your home left. Please Seven do not return home until a physician tells you it is safe for you to do so. You know me and my concerns with the immunosuppresive meds you are on what a risk that places you at for so many things more than others. It is great you are in a safe place and welcomed there. You are loved my special friend.
I’m so glad you found a safe place to stay. So sad but it may be a while before they let anyone go back, at least not until the lawlessness is under control. But you have lived through worse so you know you have the strength to make it through this and recover. We will pray for you all.
Thinking of you and hoping your grandmother and Uncle are contacted soon and are fine. I can’t begin to imagine what you all must be going through. Stay safe!
I’m glad to hear you are alive and well and doing good. My fingers are crossed for your grandparents and I’ll include them in my prayers for you.
I’ve got so many friends over that side of the world and thankfully all of them made it thru unscathed and for that i am truly grateful.
take care!
Shock and awe is right. It’s good to hear you and most of your family are safe. We will continue to pray for their safety. Anything you need, just drop me a line, ok?
take care, my friend.
Oh so glad to hear that you got out and are OK. Hope all of your loved ones will be too.
Sure good to be alive.I’ll be checking to know how you’re doing.
I was relieved to learn that my family bailed out too,they are now in Lake Charles.
I am sorry for your town and your belongings but I’m glad you’re safe.
Hope you’ll have news of your grdmother and uncle soon.
Hang on man.
Your post has just moved me to tears Sev. I’m so glad you are OK. And Maggie is a total angel. I hope you hear from you grandmother and uncle soon. We are ALL sending you our energy out here. PLEASE let me know if there is anything that I can do for you.
xox,
Deni
I’m thrilled you’re alright, and have open doors at her place. I know you must be pretty devestated, but really? I’m just glad you’re alive. Getting out of there was the smartest thing everyone out there could’ve done. Just take care of you, and all the rest will come in time. The whole country is pulling for you guys to get back on your feet, so hopefully that’ll happen sooner rather than later.
In the meantime, you’re in my thoughts, Sugar.
Hi, I am a friend of Harmony St. Charles. She asked me to let you know that she, her family & all her pets are fine. They are with other family members in Georgia. She doesn’t have internet right now and will update as soon as she can. I hope that you and your family are also ok too.
Thinking of you – hoping th best for gma and you!
I’m so glad that you found a place to hang out and feel welcome. You probably have enough friends that you could travel around the country visiting them all until you can go back home. Look me up if you head up towards Seattle. I’m hoping good thoughts for your Grandma and Uncle.
Thanks for keeping us updated.
Seven,
I am very thankful you made it out, and have a safe dry place to wait. If you need anything give a shout. I will do my best to help out.
Hey bro.. I’m making a post tonight on my blog to help you and yours out. I am going to leave it open to our readers what they would like to see done to get some cash heading your way. 1 thing I know I can do while you’re down is WP themes. I’m also and artist and will do custom portraits for $50 each (charcoal & graphite)
Time for us to take care of our own.
I watched to coverage for two hours Thursday night. What a nightmare! I’m ever so glad you and your parents are ok but I sure am getting worried about your grandma and uncle. Sending lots of love your way, saying many prayers.
grrr…i can’t write no mo’ .. I watched THE coverage…sorry!
I hope you get word from you Grandmother and Uncle. It’s so sad what this storm did to beautiful LA.
Good that you are safe and sound. How cool is it that a blog connection has provided safe harbor for you!
All my NO plans have been postponed indefinately (yes, i had planned on surprising people with a mini raod trip) but you’re safe and that’s all that matters. My thoughts and prayers are with your grandmother and your uncle; they’ve gotta be safe, that ability to cheat death runs in the family, right?
On your way back through Dallas, stop in, we’ll have lunch or something. :hugs:
Seven,
I’m Lois’ sister. I just wanted to say that I’m happy to hear that you are safe. I’m praying for your Grandmother and Uncle that they are safe too!
I was just checking in to see if you were OK – Good to hear you are safe – scary times
I’m glad to hear that you are okay, and my hopes and prayers are with your Grandmother and Uncle during this difficult time. I hope that when you are eventually able to make it home that there is still somewhere for you to go as I know won’t be the case for many survivors.
I’m glad you’re safe doll ….
Stay that way.
If you need money, you give a shout out, Seven. I mean it. We’re your pals.
Seven~You know if there’s anything you want or need, just let us all know and we’ll take care of it, right? We were all worried about you…knowing you has put a face on all the New Orleans victims, at least for me. Crazy thing, this blogoverse, isn’t it?
Keeping my fingers crossed for your grandma and uncle, and that you get to go home soon.
I’ll echo… whatever you need just ask. And don’t bother feeling guilty or weird about it, because people like to help… you’re doing us (people who aren’t in that area but desperately want to help) a favor.
I really hope grandma and uncle are okay. I’ll be thinking of you and your family… hoping and praying for the best possible outcome.
I am in shock to. I can’t wrap my mind around the devistation. You have a place here in San Antonio with your fellow refugees. I’ll pray for your family and you. You are in my thoughts daily. Please, please, please, take care of your medical needs too. Hugs and smooches.
I’m glad you’re okay, Seven. And I hope your family gets through this as well. Hang in there, man… Keep us updated … best wishes.
POINK!!! Hope you get all you need. Roofs can be fixed, you need your family, your health to be in order.