How I love New Orleans is beyond belief.  I lived there as a child
and my fondest memories are of New Orleans and  Chalmette, La.
As an adult I still visited as often as possible and have many friends
in Louisiana. I also have many relatives there. My heart breaks as I 
watch the destruction of my beloved state and the surrounding areas.

My concerns are for everyone caught in this tragic event, and I 
am especially concerned for friends in Slidell, who I am sure did
not leave as they have always stayed to protect their property. 

My cousin arrived here in Tennessee with several friends and at 
present we have ten guests at different family homes. CNN and 
fox news report that their homes are completely under water. My
cousin can not reach some of his grown children and has not heard
from them. They told him they would evacuate and call when they
arrived at a safe area. It has been three days and no call has come.

My thought and prayers are also for the Cure family. Bobby, Walter,
and Betty were my closest friends when we were growing up. I hope
they left to a safe area as I see on the news their homes were in areas
devastated. As there is no electricity I know I can not even reach Bobby
at his web site or email. My little childhood friend grew up to be New
Orleans'  Famous Bobby Cure, I am burning a flame of hope for all. .

My page for Katrina victims and mixed emotions about the looting
click here