I just returned from Punta Gorda and I have to say that the people there are great. Everyone has some destruction of their own to deal with, but the people were in good spirits and ready to help one another. While I did not have time to tour all of the areas affected, I can tell you that FEMA is there as well as national guardsmen.
There is no electricity and probably won't be any for a long time. I saw street after street with power poles toppled. Some were snapped in half and still hang precariously over the roadways. At intersections that use to have traffic lights the motorists are behaving as if there were four-way stop signs. Everyone is courteous and considerate of others.
While these people have suffered greatly, and will continue to feel the effects of Charley for some time, it is uplifting to observe how Americans meet hardship head-on with a positive attitude.
Keep your prayers coming for these Americans. Their hard times are not over yet.
My heart goes out to those who are suffering the loss of their houses and businesses but more so for those who are suffering the loss of a loved one.
Buildings and homes will be rebuilt. Cars and trucks replaced. Beaches put back in pristine condition. Life will go on, yet the scars left on those who lost someone they love to Charley will not heal easily.
For those people, I offer extra prayers.