Emotions running wild...

I know I am not the only one who has experienced a world wind of emotions during the last seven days. I've watch as three hours to the south of me a city I love so much was completely and utterly devastated. I've cried out in anguish and in anger. I've sat here in utter shock of the stupidity of some people...and then the helplessness of others. I've tried to help the victims that have landed in my city. In one breath, I screamed at the slow response in the time of need. In the next, I'd understand that people were just downright afraid to go down there to help because the people had more guns than the police down there...and it was downright deadly. I've watched in utter shock at the looters push big screen televisions through waist deep sludge...thinking how insane are these people? I mean...you don't have a house, electricity...and now, it's wet. What the heck are you going to do with a big screen television? I watched as a woman carried five boxes of shoes that she'd stolen from a Foot Locker and was approached by a reporter. The reporter asked..."Why'd you steal those shoes? Don't you know that it's wrong?" She replied, "Yeah, but I don't have no shoes on my feetse and theys gonna get cut up." The camera pans down on her bare feet. Now...you tell me why you gonna steal five pairs of shoes and go barefoot down the street? You tell me. Now, I have to say...I say...let them take food, water, diapers even shoes or whatever. In truth, it's probably going to go to waste anyway. Nothing like that can be saved but big screen televisions, electronics, guns. No.

Then they closed school Friday so that the buses could be used to help the evacuees. Okay. Then they tell us that school is open tomorrow but no buses. They are still being used and we don't know when they are going to be back running. You know...God has a way of putting everything in perspective for you. Let me tell you what changed my heart today...and now, all I want to see is everyone safe and sound...and healthy...and for my beloved New Orleans to rebuild and prosper.

Last night my dryer went out. So today, I had to pack up all my laundry and take it to the laundromat. I had eight loads. Well, while A and I were there, we met a really beautiful couple from New Orleans...doing their laundry. I think they had one load. They told me of how they lost everything...but they got away with their special needs daughter and their cat. They were staying with a friend here in town. I felt a strange closeness to this couple. I repeatedly asked if there was something I could do for them...but she said they were fine. The lady asked A about school...and when I told her about the school situation and the buses being used to help down south...all she said was "Thank you." Okay...immediately, I prayed to God to forgive me and thanked him for reminding me that this world is a whole lot bigger than me. She said..."Thank God you have a school to go to. My daughter lost hers." My heart breaks for them...and I pray that they will be okay. I left her with my contact information...and asked her to let me know that they are okay when they got settled wherever that may be. She promised to stay in touch.

I amazed and blessed at how God can bong me in the head and make me realize that it's not all about me. So many have lost so much. Me having to bring my kid to school is little inconvenience compared to what these people have had to deal with in the last week and what they have to look forward to. I have nothing to gripe about. Dear God, forgive me...and please bless these people...each and everyone of them.