Here we all are. We took this picture after church yesterday. Joey and Scott Clayton then left, headed for home to gather some of our belongings. Scott Soule and Jimmy left today. Scott plans to work in Baton Rouge. They are hoping to rent a house in Madisonville that has been offered to them. Joey and I have been invited to stay with them while we try to rebuild our tuxedo store. We know the store had water. That's not our concern though, it's whether or not we'll have any business in the near future. Christina and Phil left yesterday afternoon. They stayed the night in Jackson at Phil's brother's house. They waited in line this morning for an hour and a half for gas in Jackson. Joey and Scott called as they were pulling up to my mom's house. Her pecan tree was down in the back yard, but there was no damage to her house. They said it didn't even smell in the house. I'm anxious for them to get to my house and report. I already know that there are holes in the roof and water damage inside from that. Scott and Joey said that the airport (right by my mom's house) looks like a scene out of Baghdad with all the military there. They won't be able to stay in Metairie tonight. Jefferson Parish won't be inhabitable for 3-4 weeks, according to the authorities. I just can't seem to make plans past tomorrow though. It hasn't sunk in yet that I won't be able to go home for a while. I'm just thankful that I have a home to go back to. Robbie is still in Bush, LA and we haven't heard from them. David is in Slidell, and Janine is still in Cleveland, MS. Katie is going home today because she has electricity and well water so she'll be fine. Most of St. Tammany Parish will be fine in a few days. Jefferson Parish has a lot of work to do and that's why they don't want people coming home to live for a few weeks. We want to thank everyone for the kind offers and thoughts and prayers that have been extended. This is something none of us could have imagined.
So glad to hear that all of you can eventually get back into your homes! Let us know if there's anything we can do!
Katie
Elizabeth--
Just wanted to let you know I've made it to Katie's and Kevin's and have imposed on the hospitality of yet another family member (counting Angela's living room in San Destin, I are now up to five for the past week!).
My mom and I talked to Mrs. Denise today (after her trip to the south shore), and she said Grandma's house has electricity! I'm glad to hear everybody is safe and well!
Big Lovey and Jimmy,
I am so glad y'all made it to Katie's. Scott, don't forget to find out if Martha's house has well water. Otherwise, we can't return until the water is restored which means I need to look into staying here longer--and giving Sue back her bed.
Good luck tomorrow. I love you both. I will try to call tomorrow. The phone service is spotty.
Hey everyone,
Patsy and I are doing OK. We got power back on Saturday (9/10). We have no land lines and cell phones are still mostly worthless. No internet of our own, either. I am posting this as time permits. We both went back to work yesterday (9/12). Western St Tammany is a beehive of activity and things are getting a bit better every day. Still some uncertainty here but I'm hopeful that we can get back to the life we once knew and loved within a few months.
All for now,
Hello, all!
Please tell us notherners if there is anything we can send to Louisianna (or Georgia), since we can't come down to help directly. We're glad everyone is OK, but now would like to help re-store anything that might help get things back to 'normal' as quickly as possible.
God Bless you all!