I've been silently following your posts. I sincerely hope that all of yours come out of this one intact.
FWIW, for you and the great people of LA, MS, AL and FL, who welcomed me warmly when I lived around those parts, please allow me to lend you some comfort.
Living in Puerto Rico I have endured a number of hurricanes and their aftermath throughout my life. It's tough, but the American character is even tougher. Nature has a way of healing itself. The dead go on to better things. The living will become better people because of the adversity they have endured.
New Orleans and Gulf Shores and other places are not destroyed. They are not gone. They are under temporary renovations. The waters will recede. The streets will be cleaned. The levees replaced and improved. Homes will be repaired or replaced. Life will be again normal IN MONTHS.
When Marilyn hit the USVI next door, we thought it would take years for them to get back on their feet. They got up and running for the high tourist season in three months.
As for me, I am pledging here $100.00 each to Baptists Relief and the Salvation Army in your area. I'll send more until it hurts. You mainlanders have been very generous when we islanders get hit. We feel your pain and we pray with you.
I can only get better from here on out.
Thank you so much for helping our citizens in dire need. It is greatly appreciated.
What a good human being you are!