CONFIRMED:
— Our home is not flooded.
— Whole Foods (the store a half of a block up from us on Magazine) lost it’s roof.
— Whole Foods “was stripped of all it’s inventory” — we take this as looted.
— Our immediate and closest neighbors evacuated and none were left in the city.
NOT CONFIRMED:
— Any wind or storm damage to our house or others on our street. (ie: do we have a roof?)
— The status of looting on our street.
— Whereabouts of many of my friends at Tulane — Alex, Leigh Anne, Hongyun, and others.
— When residents of Orleans Parish are able to visit their homes to collect belongings and assess damage (other Parishes are announcing these dates/times).
— Whereabouts of Margarita and her family.
— Whereabouts of many friends.
US:
— Strong but deteriorating. It is getting harder to hold back tears. Reality is setting in and we are a bit winded. It is not an issue of “stuff”. We are facing the loss of our community. We love our neighborhood, our neighbors, our home, our careers, and the quality of all of those things in our lives. The past year has been more rich for us that any other and we have relished it.
— We are well aware of how blessed we are. It is difficult to deal with this blessing while considering how we are going to deal with the destruction of our lives and begin to rebuild. We have really built a wonderful life over the past year and we are dealing with its loss.
Matt and Laura | 31-Aug-05 at 7:22 pm | Permalink
Hang in there. Hold each other, hug each other, love each other. While much may be unknown or out of control at this time, you have each other for support.
Although the world is full of suffering, it is full also of the overcoming of it.
Helen Keller (1880 – 1968)
Anonymous | 01-Sep-05 at 5:34 am | Permalink
We love you and hope that this time will pass quickly. You will always be welcome to stay with us in Michigan for however long you need to.
Bethany, Scott, and Evie
Amy Lee | 01-Sep-05 at 5:53 am | Permalink
Ditto here – our house in VA is ALWAYS open to you all or any of your “Tulane family” and friends that need a place to stay. Perhaps I can tempt you with high speed Internet and free babysitting???
Anonymous | 01-Sep-05 at 6:09 am | Permalink
Hi Guys,
Just wanted to let you guys know that you are in our thoughts. Justin still asks about the Star Wars game.
There is a map at:
http://neworleans.metblogs.com/
Which makes it look your house is pretty safe. (One of the few areas about sea level).
Brian and Louise
A Squared, MI
eli | 01-Sep-05 at 6:49 am | Permalink
I will have to say ditto here and offer my home in Virginia to you and your extended Tulane family.
I read that many Tulane students were taken to the university at Jackson, Mississippi for safety prior to the storm.
Hold on to each other and your family. From the looks of it, you have many people who love and care for you. Take them up on the offer of help. You’ve given a lot to others, it’s our turn to give to you.
stardust | 01-Sep-05 at 7:38 am | Permalink
Hi guys!
Miss you and relieved to hear you are safe. The “right words” to say are hard to come by in times like these but you are heavily on my mind.
I imagine your feelings of loss are as they would be for any loss and though I know you are grateful for what you still have I can appreciate you might not find solace in knowing that right now.
I know you and Paul have each other for support but if you need someone else’s shoulder to cry on don’t hesitate to call no matter the time of day.
Is there anything I can do to help?
Sending warm wishes and positive energy your way!
Love, Deneil; Michigan
Anonymous | 01-Sep-05 at 1:27 pm | Permalink
I am so touched by your words and thoughts – you are so reflective of this situation and it moves me to read it. I am inspired that you are able to see all of your blessings in light of the tragedy. I’ll add myself to all the others who offer support and assistance – whatever I can give. You are in my thoughts every time I turn on NPR, watch the news, etc… Hang in there!
Amy K.
PYT | 01-Sep-05 at 7:01 pm | Permalink
I couldn’t agee more with Deneil. I don’t know what the right thing to say is other than I am glad you are safe and I hope things get better for you and others in NOLA soon. If you do come to MI, along with others’ invitations, you have one at our house. THis goes for your friends in NOLA too.
Jodi