Katrina

I have watched hours of the CNN coverage of Katrina's sweep through Alabama, Mississippi and New Orleans because I have two wonderful friends in Mississippi. I have family members in other states which will no doubt feel the effects of this storm though in lesser degrees. Over the years, I have seen hurricanes, tornados and floods go through my home town but they were just April showers with a spring breeze in comparison to this. The total disaster of these areas is truly mind boggling - entire cities wiped out, homes moved a half mile away, others flattened like pancakes, an entire city flooded, highways impassable, tens of thousands crowded into an athletic arena without water and under terrible conditions, bodies floating in the water, a few looters taking advantage of the situation, etc. I have shed so many tears for those affected by all of this. I can only imagine how they must be suffering!

For all the horrors of the situation, there has been a great deal of beauty in this disaster in the random acts of kindness shown to those less fortunate and the miracles in many who never thought they would survive but managed to do so with a greater respect for life and a different outlook on living one's life.

Who can forget the young black man so patiently helping an elderly white man walk safely through the water and debris to a safer location.

Who can forget seeing Gary Tuchman walking with young Rebecca McIntosh through the water to her home to see what was left of it? After glancing over the wreckage of the home, he helped her to retrieve some of her collectible dolls before walking back to meet her grand-mother. They got back to the grand-mother who broke into tears and said to Gary "I don't know what we would do without people like you!" Gary was there with a hug and his shoulder to cry on.

Who can forget the two ladies who put aside their own misery to try to help one of God's voiceless creatures when they took turns pouring buckets full of water onto a stranded seal?

Who can forget the two university students who took time away from their duties to lend help in any way they possibly could - working for thirty hours without a break?

Who can forget the little black boy holding his mother's hand, his lower lip quivering as he tried to be a "big boy" and not cry?

Who can forget the litle black boy clinging to the elderly white lady in a wheel chair, both looking like they are trying their best to understand what is going on?

Who can forget Steve Miller, in jail awaiting trial for forgery, who chose not to get himself out of the danger but to help others who were trapped in their homes, unable to get out on their own. Steve said that this was the first time he had done anything to help others and that it really felt good. Unfortunately, Steve lost his wife and child to Katrina and my prayers and my wish that he be pardoned go out to him.

These are just a few of the many stories and pictures of helping hands being extended to others in this catastrophe.

This disaster has touched so many world wide. Joel Dearing and Steve Cross from my home town of Roanoke, Virginia planned to fill a U-Haul with donated drinking water and personally deliver it to these states but local companies - Lawrence Transportation and James E. Owen Trucking of Forest - who heard of their intentions loaned them four tractor-trailers and drivers to help them make the delivery. Steve said that many people who really could not afford it gave them two or three dollars and they had collected more than $5,000!

Many Southwest Virginians are helping in many ways. School children are collecting money, canned foods and potted meats. Some students are selling cookies and donating the money to the Red Cross.

K92 radio station is doing a marathon broadcast. Star Country 94.9 is doing an auction and Q99 has a special fund raiser in the works. With all of these fund raisers the stations have planned, they hope to raise at least $50,000.

Two work crews of prisoners even helped out by stacking cases of water and when possible the firefighters with Roanoke Fire EMS helped.

Joining a group of firefighters, a group from the local Appalachian Power and American Red Cross have left for Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama to offer their help.

One local florist is giving away a dozen roses to anyone who makes a contribution to the Red Cross.

And last but not least, I can't forget my favorite - the Salvation Army. A group that is always there and ready to help in any way possible and you know where your contributions go when a donation is made to them! These are only a few examples of things that are being done in my area and I am sure that others all over the country are doing the same.

As with any situation of this nature, there always seem to be a few rats that crawl out of the walls to see how they can profit from others' misfortune. So it has been in New Orleans with a few who, instead of trying to help maintain peace and help wherever they can, have taken advantage of this terrible situation to break into stores and steal clothes, shoes, TVs, games, guns, etc. We know what they are doing with the guns but what in the world do they think they are going to do with TVs in a city without power? I do not include in this group the young mothers who took pampers, water, juice, and food for their babies! Any mother would do the same.

My heart goes out to all who are helping in any way possible and to all the wonderful people in these states who have endured what nobody should ever have to go through. My prayers for a speedy relief from this hell on earth go out to all! May you soon have a decent, safe home and your life soon back to normal!

IN GOD WE TRUST!!!

Marilyn