Comments on UPDATE #1

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Thank you all so very much for the support...

I guess I do need to clarify that I'm not in Mississippi. My family is but I live in Los Angeles. It's just that all of these memories have just flooded back with the events of the week.

Let me also ask that no one blame President Bush for the slow action. I realize that when people are hurting, it's so easy to blame the person in charge of the country but the devastation down there makes it really hard to access people right now. And the fact that some of the people are acting in violence by shooting at those who've been sent to help is making it all the more difficult.

Unless people are familiar with all of the bridges and water surrounded access that is now under water or destroyed, they don't realize that ships can't pull up to the shore easily. The shipyard in Pascagoula was severely damaged, if I'm not mistaken and that's created hazards of its own. My aunt worked for the shipyard for over 30 years and my grandfather worked there as a security guard for many years. In fact, it was the asbestos at the shipyard that gave my grandfather cancer and ultimately killed him.

I guess that what I'm asking of people is that we focus on helping the people who are devastated from the storm and stop looking for places to place blame. No one in this world is perfect and I'm sure that Mr. Bush and all of those who are trying to help are doing the best they know how in absolutely horrendous circumstances.

If you want to truly help, either send food, clothing, blankets, diapers, etc. to the Red Cross. If you want to send money, there is a ministry that I partner with that will be sending 100% of what they receive to the victims. You can go to www.kcm.org and click on the link for helping the Katrina victims. No matter what your beliefs, isn't it better for 100% of the money to go to the victims than 20 or 30% after expenses for some benefit that Hollywood is putting on? It's up to you but isn't the point to help the victims and not be entertained?

Thanks, Kimberly

posted by whimsystoryteller on September 2, 2005 at 7:02 PM | link to this | reply

I can't say I understand how you feel directly....

But, my step-father, since I was young, is from Gulfport. His whole family is there and they did not evacuate. Up until a couple of days ago, we had 4 missing, 1 assumed dead because his house was just on the other side of the railroad tracks. Being from there, you know what I mean. It turns out that all of our 8 family members are okay, but I know that most of there homes are gone, too. I'm not sure how much of his history is gone, but I know that the devastation of losing those old houses, especially in those tiny old towns. It's devastating. I'm just grateful that it's nothing like what's happening in New Orleans and I feel my relatives are a bit safer. The National Guard and the Red Cross is there, and it's smaller, but we still don't know if they have food or water. They are not leaving Gulfport because some property that's been in the family for a long time can be salvaged, and they are afraid of looters (although I'm not sure how bad it is). I love this story because I heard them from Walt about crabbing and big kitchens cooking with his family. I'm sorry for the loss of property in your family, but I'm glad you are all okay. I was in the Northridge earthquake, nothing compared to this, but we had Red Cross very quick and FEMA not too far behind. This sort of thing always takes a long time, but this is ridiculous. I don't know if it's our current leader or the massive amount of destruction from Katrina or both, but this is a shame. And do, keep writing. One day, this will be a precious memoir when the pain isn't so fresh to the touch. Best of luck and lots of love to your family.

posted by Temple on September 2, 2005 at 5:59 PM | link to this | reply

Please Do NOT Stop Writing!

You need to write everything you can remember about Gautier and Pascagoula...the fact that I'm speaking to a living link between what is now and what once was just sends chills down my spine.

You need to start compiling your memories and start compiling them NOW...complete with the emotion of your loss.

posted by Dennison..Mann on September 2, 2005 at 5:30 PM | link to this | reply

Right now...

...I can't think of the exact words she said, but I remember this scene near the end of the movie, Fried Green Tomatoes, where old Ninny goes back to find that her home had been torn down and her little town was a ghost town.

At first, she was upset but, then, she thought about how much happiness and meaning there still was to her life for having known the people who had lived there.

Something happened earlier this year that made me think of this part of the movie (something I'll reveal when I finish what I've written about it), and what you're sharing now also makes me think of those lines.

Anyway, I know it's good therapy for you to write it down, and I really enjoy reading it.

If I'd never set foot in Mississippi, I'd still enjoy being taken there by you--and having spent several days there most summers when I was growing up makes it even more special to read!

Hugs!
AJ

The time has come
to read a good book!
Allow me to suggest one:
A ttally-rmantic nvel
by GinnieB

Go here
to start at the beginning.
Go here
to read the latest installment.

posted by Ainsley_Jo_Phillips on September 1, 2005 at 8:26 PM | link to this | reply

It's hard to believe

thank you for sharing, because it helps those of us who are far away get in touch.