1 year ago
Monday, August 28, 2017
TEXAS
Just a brief post today in support of those poor folks in Texas being hammered by Harvey.
I do so feel their pain. I have been in a flood and I have been in several hurricanes, but never at the same time. This is hard to fathom.
Even if your property survives the winds, those flood waters will take all you have. Your furniture will fall apart, walls will buckle, keepsakes are ruined, appliances will not function again nor will your car. Clothes are gone for the flood waters are disgusting and no amount of washing will clean them nor get the smell out.
These folks need everything. I remember what it was like to have only the clothes on my back and even those were ruined by the sewer fouled water.
I am now cleaning out my closets, cupboards, and digging into what money I can spare. I choose the Red Cross to donate money to for they have helped me in the past. Hopefully I can find a truck heading that way with relief items.
Well that was interesting. I guess in a show of solidarity with Texas, we just lost power for a couple of hours. No storm, just click and off. I sure wish relief would come that quickly for them.
Hang in there Texas. We are with you.
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Perfect post Patti:-) Pulling for our Texas neighbors also.
ReplyDeleteAnnie,
DeleteThanks. I know we can help them rise again.
I'm watching the flooding coverage as I type. I can't image how hard this is on the people who lose their homes this way. Timely post, Patti.
ReplyDeleteLike Patti, said, "Hang in there!"
Jean,
DeleteThis is a massive event like Katrina. Those people have such a long, rough road ahead. Neighbors and strangers will pull them though.
As a Katrina survivor, I can attest to the remarkable work of the American Red Cross. They fed us many days after the storm. As a result, I donate regularly and especially after a disaster such as this. I encourage everyone to do the same. If you haven't been there, you probably don't realize the huge contribution this organization makes to disaster relief.
ReplyDeletePudge,
DeleteAS a Katrina survivor, you know exactly what they are going through. I too have been greatly helped by the Red Cross. They are always in the thick of it with a steadying, helpful presence.
Texans are certainly suffering right now and my heart goes out to them.
ReplyDeleteStephen,
DeleteI know, it is so hard to see the misery they are suffering now.
I am watching the news now and they mentioned that looters were starting to hit the evacuated areas, there is a special place in hell for someone who will stoop low enough to take from someone who has been victimized by the storm.
ReplyDeleteMy hat is off to the people who are bringing in boats and helping everyone to get out of the flooded areas, any help is needed and God bless all of you who are donating and helping the people in Texas when they so desperately need it.
Thank you Patti, this post is well needed.
Jimmy,
DeleteAs much as I love those who just jump in to help, I loathe those who take disaster as an opportunity to steal. Sickening.
Your first-hand account says it all, Patti. I had no idea of what the aftermath of such a hurricane and flood would produce. Such devastation and for so many people. The scope is beyond imagination. Sending my best wishes and more to the folks in Texas.
ReplyDeleterobin,
DeleteThank you. It can take months and in sever cases like this, years to regain a semblance of normal.
My prayers are with them!!
ReplyDeleteFran,
DeleteThank you so much. So are mine.
Disasters like Hurricane Harvey are difficult to fathom. Our families in those areas have come through alright, but so many haven't.
ReplyDeleteAfter Katrina, we've seen how long it takes to recover. All of DH and my families were involved in that with homes lost as well a lives.DH's aunt drowned in a nursing home in New Orleans and an old friend drowned in his own home after pushing his wife onto the roof...and he wasn't found till months later.
Hopefully we are better prepared for these types of disasters since Katrina, but it doesn't lessen the heartache.
Rain,
DeleteI am so very sorry for the heartbreaking loss of life you experienced in Katrina. Those stories didn't make the news, just numbers and totals. Hopefully we did learn some lessons from that tragic event.
Amen, Patti.... As you know, I was just there last week. The condo where we stayed is flooded and nobody can get around in that area at all. SO SAD... I lived there for 12 years and have tons of friends there, many who have experienced flooding... My son may lose his vehicles...(He is on the 2nd floor so he is safe--but this is so hard for him right after losing his wife. SO--prayers for Mark also please.)
ReplyDeleteThanks so much...
Hugs,
Betsy
Betsy
DeleteI immediately thought of Mark and hoped he was OK. He and you have suffered so much with the loss of Debbie, I can't imagine this new pain coming on the heels of her passing. Prayers for Mark, her family and you and George at this time.
It is unbelievable what is happening there. I was in the big LA earthquake, but that was nothing once you survived the initial shock. This will go on for years to come. Our relatives in New Orleans who decided to renovate after Katrina were doing it for many years. Those of us who can must donate to the Red Cross or where ever else is appropriate.
ReplyDeleteInger,
DeleteWow, that earthquake was a monster. So glad you were OK. I know with a lot of hurricanes, for most once it is over and life is intact, it is repair, clean up and adjusting to life without power for many days. Floods are a whole other ballgame and add a new level of destruction. The Red Cross came through for me.
I'm hanging tight and be so thankful that I still have power and my street hasn't flooded. I'm very close to a badly flooded bayou but so far it has not traveled to my house. I'm on the second floor so I feel safe in that aspect but this old house is made of wood so won't it get soaked and fall apart? Who knows. I can only be thankful for the blessings I have right now and that all my children and kin have no standing water in their house.
ReplyDeleteBarbara,
DeleteThank you for commenting. I was worried just where you and your family were in all this mess and am glad you are OK. Praying you stay that way. Stay safe.
Thank you, Patti, for making this more real for those of us, like me, who have never experienced such a disaster. I will be donating.
ReplyDeleteLinda R,
DeleteThank you so much for your support. We can all help with this disaster. Each dollar will help so much.
Thanks for this post, Patti. I have hesitated giving to the Red Cross in the past, but you've convinced me. Although we are in the Pacific Northwest, several people have told me of relief flooding from here to there. I'll do my part.
ReplyDeleteDjan,
ReplyDeleteThank you so much.I am always impressed with the willingness of strangers to help out without thinking twice about it. This country is full of good people.
I think there is some resistance to the Red Cross but I have been helped by them several times. Twice in disasters and once personally. I only have good things to say about them.
In what was called a 100 year downpour of water coming down Camelback Mtn. in Phoenix/Scottsdale, Az I have had flood waters enter my house and remember how quickly waters rise, but we experienced no real lasting damage as wasn't sewer water and covered only our kitchen floor and a family room carpet we had cleaned successfully. Being a humidity-free hot desert climate everything dried quickly and thoroughly so mold wasn't a concern. I fear the worst is not over in Texas and possibly other areas in the next few days to come. Sorry you ever had to have such an experience. Clearly they can use all the help we can give.
ReplyDeletejoared,
DeleteSo sorry you had that experience. I never thought about the blessing of a dry climate. That was a blessing.
The wonderful thing that came from my experience was that I learned how great people can be. We expect our family and friends to be there for us but when total strangers step up, it is amazing. That feeling never leaves you.
A friend of mine's mother lives in Houston in a senior home on the fourth floor. The first floor is flooded and they are trying to evacuate the people. I can't imagine having my mother be in that circumstance and not be able to do anything to help her. Samaritan's Purse is another really wonderful charity. They are usually the first to arrive with aide in any disaster. Praying for all the people affected and that the waters will recede quickly and they can start to get their lives back again. Our city flooded several years ago and I saw how hard it was for many of my friends who lost everything.
ReplyDeleteSnickelfritz,
DeleteI think it would be worse having a family member in danger and unable to help than if it were ourselves. The images coming out of Huston make us realize how devastating their situation is but also how darn wonderful people can be.
I remember the smell worst of all after six feet deep in my parents basement...:(
ReplyDeleteTB
DeleteSorry you had to go through that and know what you mean by the smell. Hard to forget. I noticed the reporters are starting to complain about it. Nasty.
Thanks for helping. Yes, nothing saved my stuff, but I managed to move my five colored old Datsun 510 just in time.
ReplyDeleteAnd too, I have a granddaughter in Huston.
ReplyDeleteWe've already donated to the Houston food bank. My son used to volunteer for All Hands and I understand that is a good organization to donate to also. Sounds like Bangladesh is also suffering through horrible flooding.
ReplyDeleteAs I read this already 3 more hurricanes are formed and messing around to do more harm. I too survived a hurricane but no flood, rather a house fire. Loss of material goods is not so easily replaced. Sadly rent and car payments on damaged goods do not halt and that makes it all harder.
ReplyDeleteGlad to know Red Cross is helpful.