We're Ok.....

Decorating By JennT Updated 1 Sep 2005 , 5:44pm by Joshsmom

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JennT Posted 1 Sep 2005 , 12:10am
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We have our home...each other...running water/electricity. We're fine. It was really rough, though. And so many people here are not as blessed. Thank you to every one of you who prayed for us....it was definitely felt. I'm just overwhelmed with your care and compassion for someone you've never met. I just read everyone's posts since I was last online (the other hurricane thread(s) and I've never been so touched. You all are truly a part of my family now & always.

This has been absolutely the most terrifying time I've ever experienced...and yet the most life affirming. I don't feel right complaining about what we experienced when I know that their are children in New Orleans & Mississippi who have been orphaned, people who are dead...mothers & fathers who've lost their children.

Listening to & watching a storm of that magnitude is something I pray I nor my children ever experience again....there's no words that can really put it in perspective for you.

Yeah, it's a very difficult time for all of us down here...and it will be for a while. I made it to a store today....there isn't much on the shelves. I'll be learning how to bake bread by the weekend...we have enough to last until then. I bought 40 gallons of bleach....we have to sterilize the water coming from our well, and clean up the sewage that backed up downstairs. We also have neighbors that needed it, so spent some time delivering it to them today. We lost all of our food in our fridge/freezer, so I found myself just buying whatever was on the shelves and in the freezer cases, meat cases just to have food, i really am not sure of most of what i bought...didn't look, just put things in the cart. There's only 1 gas station within about 80 miles that has gas....thank God my huband spent $500 on fuel last Saturday.

Today is his birthday....he's spent it shoveling sludge/sewage out of the house downstairs....good thing it's a concrete floor. I feel so bad for him. He's such a trooper.

All this is just miniscule stuff, though. We'll deal & God has his hands on us...he has to...we have everything compared to so many others who lost everyone/thing they ever knew or had. I want so badly to go and help in LA/MS...all I can do is send what people need. We've got 4 boxes of the kids old clothes that are going tomorrow morning with a convoy of workers...along with some food that I got at the store today...toothbrushes/toiletries, etc. I don't know what else to do - it just doesn't seem enough when so much is needed. I've been crying off and on since monday night...not for myself...for all of the people in LA/MS...it's just unbearable. I've never known gratitude until now. When my husband's parents return from Utah, we're planning on letting them keep the children & going over there to help the people with the clean-up, etc. It's only about a 2 hr or so drive from our house to Biloxi...we can stay in a rental property my in-laws have near the MS/AL state line, so there's no reason we shouldn't go help. I just can't stop thinking about the children over there.....they're so underserving of a tragedy such as this.

Remember that old hymn "Draw Nearer My God To THee", I think that's it..... He's the only reason I haven't lost my mind through this and He's what will keep me sane and strong and able.

There's a blog my husband put up a little while ago if ya'll want to see pictures. Scroll all the way to the bottom and read the text too.
http://hurricanekatrinasouthalabama.blogspot.com/

Alive and well & humbled & grateful for what I have....

Jenn

34 replies
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Lemondrop Posted 1 Sep 2005 , 12:34am
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Jenn,

Thank you so much for letting us know that you are okay {{{hugs}}}

You seem to have good spirits...keep it up.

Denise

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susanmm23 Posted 1 Sep 2005 , 12:48am
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so glad you are ok. thanks for the update

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NEWTODECORATING Posted 1 Sep 2005 , 12:52am
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I just finished looking at your pictures, reading your words and sheading a few tears for you and your family. I can't imagine what you are going through. My heart goes out to you. I feel so helpless sitting here in my comfortable suroundings, when I know there are people out there in need of help. You have a very good outlook and Yes even those of us who were not directly affected by the storm gave out kids a extra hug and kiss tonight. Be safe, God will steer you through this.

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cakemommy Posted 1 Sep 2005 , 12:57am
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I as well am thankful that you and your family are okay! It truely is a devastating thing that has happened! I've been through a few hurricanes myself when I lived in Pensacola, Fl but nothing as devastating. I wish I could join you and hopefully many others who will go to help the victims. I am just sickened with everything I see on the TV. I know it doesn't even sum it up, the pictures on TV. I saw an interview with a family who didn't have much to begin with with two small children. One was a baby and she needs to be on a heart monitor and oxygen. I cried when I saw her just sitting there in her carrier on what looked like a cot. My son had heart problems when he was born and had surgery at 3 mo. of age so it really hit me to see that little baby. I just still can't believe it, I really can't!

For some reason this has happened. We'll never know the reason, we are not to question God but I really hope that we can all come together once again since Sept. 11, 2001, and help those in need. My heart goes out to all those who have lost.

I pray that your family can get back to something normal very soon. Good luck in your trip to help those. You truely are a special person, maybe even an Angel to someone there in need.


Amy

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debsuewoo Posted 1 Sep 2005 , 12:59am
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I went to your bloq too. Such devastation! I am counting my blessings at this moment, and will continue to do so daily. God bless you and your family, and may He bring comfort to all who need Him.

Debbi

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KATE39 Posted 1 Sep 2005 , 1:06am
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GLAD TO HEAR THAT YOU AND YOUR FAMILY ARE DOING OK. THANKS FOR SHARING THE PICTURES SO EVERYONE CAN SEE WHAT IS EXACTLY GOING ON. IN APRIL OF 2005 AND SEPTEMBER OF 2004 THE DELAWARE RIVER HERE IN NY FLOODED BOTH TIMES. THE FIRE DEPT THAT I BELONG TO GOT FLOODED AND WE HAD TO EVACUATE FROM THE FIRE HOUSE. SO I KNOW WHAT IT IS LIKE. IN APRIL WHEN IT DID WE SPENT AN AWFUL LONG WEEK OF PUMPING OUT BASEMENTS AND THROWING OUT STUFF. I AM SORRY FOR YOUR HOUSE AND BELONGINGS BUT THANKFUL YOU ARE ALL ALIVE!

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cakemommy Posted 1 Sep 2005 , 1:15am
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I just looked at all your pictures and read your blog! I'm in tears! I can't say any more other than, I am humbled!!!


God bless you!


Amy

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BJ Posted 1 Sep 2005 , 1:17am
post #9 of 35

So glad to hear you are ok. I sit here with tears in my eyes. I see what they show on TV and my heart aches so for all the people affected by this terrible and devistating act of nature. Like most of you - I pray to God for anyone involved in this - from the lost lives to the people trying to get supplies down there. God is with us and will help us through it.

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Kos Posted 1 Sep 2005 , 1:19am
post #10 of 35

JennT
I looked at your website and cried. I feel for you. You are also trying to be very brave because others have it worse. Don't do that. You have gone through something very frightening and have sustained damage as well, and I bet, are experiencing a bit of shock. Take care of yourself.

Be Safe!

Joan in Georgia

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cybourg Posted 1 Sep 2005 , 1:20am
post #11 of 35

Jenn, A great big bear hug {{{JENN}}}} to you and your family. I can only begin to imagine what you and others are going through. I had quite a bit of family affected by Hurricane Andrew 13 years ago and was there just two days later and saw the destruction first hand. So I know that you need a hug.

God will get you through. Went to you website. God Bless you all. You and all the others are in my prayers and thoughts.

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momsandraven Posted 1 Sep 2005 , 1:27am
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My heart and prayers are with you! I can not even fathom the destruction I am seeing on TV. It just makes me ill with sadness for those involved. I have been praying since Katrina hit land, and I will continue to do so!! I have a bunch of baby clothes that I was going to sell in my garage sale at the end of Sept, but I think I'll just try to find a Red Cross location nearby and take them there instead.

God bless you for keeping your faith during all of this. You are a strong woman, and I'm sure your husband appreciates your strength as much as you appreciate his!

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Moviechick00 Posted 1 Sep 2005 , 1:30am
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Jenn its great to hear that you and your family are doing fine. I have been praying for all those that were in the middle of this storm. There are a couple of women from work who just recently moved to that area. We are putting together packages to send to them. We are all passing around an envelope for the red cross also. I will still keep you and your family in my prayers. MC

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Annalisa Posted 1 Sep 2005 , 1:33am
post #14 of 35

Hi Jenn

Thank God you are all ok. I looked at the pictures and couldn't believe it. God bless you in these very trying times.

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traci Posted 1 Sep 2005 , 1:50am
post #15 of 35

Thank-you for sharing your story. It is quite heartbreaking. I live in Houston and I know several people that will be coming down here. My prayers are with you and all those that have suffered in this horrible storm.
traci

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marv Posted 1 Sep 2005 , 2:08am
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It's good to know that you and your family are ok...so heartbreaking to see the horrible disaster... God bless all of you!

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tripletmom Posted 1 Sep 2005 , 2:08am
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JennT,

Thank you for sharing your story. The photo of your children touched me the most....I sit here with tears still running down my cheeks. I am sorry for all that you have lost however I am grateful for all that you still have. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.

Stay strong my friend.

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ihavasweet2th Posted 1 Sep 2005 , 2:28am
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Dear JennT,

Please know you and your family and all who have been devastated by this horrific hurricane are in my thoughts and prayers. I looked at your blog and wow, I feel for you and your family and can't imagine having to deal with what you have to do. I wouldn't know where to start. I know I don't have the right words to comfort you but I do care and wanted you to know that.

~Luraleigh~

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irisinbloom Posted 1 Sep 2005 , 2:50am
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May God bless and keep you and your family through this terrible event, with deepest love and concern, Jean

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Spice Posted 1 Sep 2005 , 2:52am
post #20 of 35

Hi Jenn, Sorry to hear of your misfortune. I'm glad to know that you and your family are ok; it a blessing to have made it through. God Bless You!

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crimsonhair Posted 1 Sep 2005 , 4:18am
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Dear Jenn I am so thankful that you and your family are ok.. After reading your post I was thinking of you everytime I watched CNN and all the devastation down there.. From your profile I saw that you were around the same age as my daughter and I can't imagine how it would be to not be able to find your loved ones and not know if they were safe or not.. My heart goes out to everyone down there . I will keep you and everyone else suffering through this horrible time in my prayers .God Bless..
Liz

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SquirrellyCakes Posted 1 Sep 2005 , 4:46am
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Jenn, we are all so grateful that you and your family are all ok! Just went on the site and whew, is all I can say! Looks like you folks have a mess of work cut out for you. Must be heartbreaking but I appreciate your putting faces and names and pictures to this hurricane and making it all real while putting it into perspective.
As everyone has mentioned, you have a wonderful attitude!
We are just so pleased to know that you were spared!
You have really made us think and re-evaluate what is important!
You are still in our prayers and thoughts,
Hugs Squirrelly Cakes

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tcturtleshell Posted 1 Sep 2005 , 5:15am
post #23 of 35

Jenn,

SO HAPPY TO HEAR THAT YOU & YOUR FAMILY IS SAFE!!!!!!!! Thank GOD!!!!!! I read your blog & I agree with someone else about it... You should not feel bad because you didn't have the damage that others had. Just be humbled like you said. God had His loving hands on you & your family. Thanks for letting us know that your ok!

Keep safe!!

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cindycakes2 Posted 1 Sep 2005 , 5:18am
post #24 of 35

So glad to hear you and your family are safe and together after the hurricane, JennT. Thank you for sharing what you are going through, it helps put "problems" into perspective.

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Mac Posted 1 Sep 2005 , 5:21am
post #25 of 35

JennT--
So glad to hear that ya'll are relatively OK. My heart and my prayers continue to go out to you and your family, as well as everyone in LA, MS and AL. Thanks for sharing the pics and a part of your like with us.

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pooker Posted 1 Sep 2005 , 11:55am
post #26 of 35

Thank God you are ok. Hope things get back to normal for you very soon. And tell your DH - HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

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Ironbaker Posted 1 Sep 2005 , 12:16pm
post #27 of 35

Jenn,

I'm glad to see that you and your family are fine. As fine as can be expected. Take care of yourselves.

Tamera

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abbey Posted 1 Sep 2005 , 2:02pm
post #28 of 35

Thank you for sharing your blog with us. It still seems a little surreal to me all the devastation and pain that people are suffering. I watch CNN and I can't even begin to imagine going through what your family and others are suffering. It really makes me appreciate my family and all that we are blessed with and it really puts in perspective the little difficulties we face. I am praying for you and your family that God will provide you the strength you need as you face the challenge of cleaning up and dealing with the loss you've suffered.

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bigboots Posted 1 Sep 2005 , 3:05pm
post #29 of 35

Glad to hear you and your family are safe.
you and your family are in my prayers.

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Naty Posted 1 Sep 2005 , 4:25pm
post #30 of 35

Glad to hear you and your family are OK. As bad as it may seem, at least your husband is alive to celebrate his big day. Happy Birthday to Him!!!

Regards and God Bless,

Naty

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