Relief Comes in Many Ways - Patience is the Key

Normally, I would be sitting down to write about the newest information in Fibromyalgia treatment, or perhaps the most current article I need to share, or posting uplifting messages to our troops. But tonight, I have a different message to send.

In the wake of the devastation left by Hurricane Katrina - shock, dismay and numbness has settled in among the victims and rescuers alike. I have heard reports that two New Orleans police officers have commited suicide, and others have simply walked off the job - overwhelmed by the stress of the situation.

A citizen from our small town - a truck driver - came back today from Mississippi, and talked with through tears about the devastaion. He is a Vietnam Veteran, and says the entire place looks worse than any war zone he has ever experienced.

Tonight however, I watched in awe as victims interviewed on television complained about the lack of help coming in. One woman said "Its been eight days and we still have nothing." A gentleman remarked, "Where is Bush and what is he doing? Why is he not helping us?".

Being a supporter of our wonderful, faithful President - I was offended at first by their remarks.

When I was eight months pregnant with my second child, my husband, three year old son and I were displaced by a horrible flood that ravaged our side of town. We had water almost to the roof top - and while we had enough advance warning, and enough family help to remove our belongings - I can still feel the heartache of looking across the railroad tracks at our house full of water.

We received help - eventually - from FEMA and luckily for us, my step-father had a house on the other side of town which we quickly moved into. Each night we would drive to the street where our house was, and check the water level. "one more day, " my husband said, " and the water should be down enough to get in."

Once we were able to get in, the clean-up began, and he worked fervently every night after work to repair the damage - as our child was due very soon. Our first night back in the house, I went into labor, and a new beginning in our home was coupled with a new member of our family.

God turned a bad situation into a blesing, as we were able to make our home better than before for our young children.

But through it all - there were very few neighbors to help. I can remember people asking how we were doing, and how I was doing physically with the pregnancy - but not one neighbor whose home was not in danger - came to help us move, find shelter, food or rebuild. A few neighbors on our side of town lost their lives - some to accidents, others to medical conditions - the stress was too much for their bodies to take.

It took exactly 5 weeks for all to come to fruition, and our light at the end of the tunnel appeared - although the emotional trauma has never truly gone away.You learn to live one day at a time, and eventually - if you allow Him, God will fill that empty place in your soul.

Yes, it will be longer for those this time, but rest assured, it will happen. "And it came to pass..." the most written phrase in the Bible.

So tonight, as I listened to the complaints of the victims of Katrina - my anger about their attitudes turned to sorrow for their ignorance - they have no communications, no way to know help is on the way - and a very distorted sense of time and how long it really takes to mobilize help of this magnitude.

Eight days, yes eight days. But the out-pouring of love and donations of time, money and material goods are on the way.

Ever had an emergency when an ambulance had to be summoned, or a Fire Department called? Remember the feeling of life going into slow motion, and while perhaps it took minutes for help to reach you - it felt as though hours had passed?

This is much the same feeling these victims are experiencing. I only wish there was a better way to communicate to them - let them know they are not on their own, and help is coming.

Our small town - poor overall, but very big in spirit and heart, has been moving at record speed to collect water, food and clothes - toys, diapers and even pacifiers - to send out on a truck this coming Saturday. Yes, by that time it will have been thirteen days, but it is coming all the same.

Like Texas, the State of Kentucky is opening it's doors, and displaced Americans are coming here by bus and plane and any means available - to seek refuge and help start their healing process. We will do all we can to take them in, attend to their physical needs, and support them spiritually, emotionally and mentally. It is the least we can do.

May God grant you the warmth and kindness of His love, and may you begin to understand that He has not forsaken you - nor have your fellow Americans - or your President. We are here for you.

I present this tonight - as I know some of us on the outside looking in are becoming upset by the seemingly 'unthankfulness' of the hurricane victims.

It is hard to listen to them complain about the time it takes to reach them, how there was nothing for them as they came out of the water. I myself at one point thought - "what were they expecting - a buffet?"

But in these times, we need to be understanding of the pain and loss they feel - whether we empathize, sympathize, feel compassion or their pain. People are people - Americans come to the aide of those in need - it is what we were raised to do.

That being said, look inside yourself and discover what you can do to help.

I know many are going above and beyond the call, while others can offer only prayers and words of hope and love. All of that is needed. Prayers being the strongest help of all.

God hears our cries, and He will answer. All in His time - as we work for them, through Him.

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