We are home safe and sound. We have limited phone service, but have electricity and water. My home sustained some damage, but the house was able to be weather proofed and is still livable. We lost siding on one side of the house which allowed wind and water to get in and the ceiling caved in my daughter's room. We have water damage in a few rooms of the house, but we have insurance and things will be back to normal soon. Gas stations started to re open today with very long lines. The grocery stores are still allowing only a few people in at a time and they have very limited supplies. Phone service is in and out. The mail, newspaper and garbage services are not running. My school is housing a wonderful National Guard unit from South Carolina.

Our parish (county) was very lucky, others were not so fortunate. There have been many deaths due to the slow response to the disaster by the Emergency Managment and Federal Government. The death reports are starting to trickle in and they are heartbreaking. They are still rescuing people, 8 days after the storm in St. Bernard Parish, which is just outside of New Orleans. They did not receive help until very late and were very hard hit. Plaquemines and Washington parishes are not receiving much news coverage but they have been almost destroyed. Cell phone service is not working and the reports are still sparse from those areas.

I have been amazed at the outpouring of generosity being offered by so many places within the United States and across the world. One of the first responders to arrive in St. Bernard was a unit from Canada. Your kinds words and support have meant a lot. As Internet service and phone service stabilize, I'll check back in with everyone.