Hi everyone,
I'm finally able to send a few emails out now that I'm out of the hotel. Internet service is sporadic where I am, and the computer I'm using doesn't load webpages, so I've basically only got limited email capabilities. But I did want to let everyone know that I'm okay via Steph.
Here's the situation:
Aerial shots show that my house was/is under 9 feet of water. Even the things I put up high are soaked. Bryan's Jeep, which would have been paid off in just a few months, was in the garage, and is now a total loss. We thought we were insured–we bought hurricane insurance, which is outrageously expensive. Unfortunately, hurricane insurance doesn't cover storm surge of historically epic proportions. We lost everything except what I stuffed into the car–my kid, my cat, my mice, two days' worth of clothes, a few important files, my laptop, jewelry, and two
plastic bins full of pictures.
Funny, it's not the furniture and electronics I'm most upset about losing. It's the little stuff. All my Air Force awards and memorabilia. My beloved books, so many signed by authors and friends. My writing books. My computer. My Christmas ornaments I've been collecting since I was a kid. My favorite pajamas and sweatshirt. And worse, the things my son has made for me over the years. I feel so bad for my husband–all his Coast Guard memorabilia and awards are gone. His tools. He's not very sentimental, so the few things that do mean something to him mean a LOT. All gone.
And my son…he doesn't quite grasp the significance of what hashappened. Everything he had is destroyed. All his toys, some not even opened yet from his birthday. His clothes, his stuffed animals.
Before we left, I told him to pack a backpack with the things that meant most to him. I said jokingly to choose wisely since the house might not be there when we got back. Little did I know how true those words would become.
He picked a few stuffed animals and his game boy. He asked if he could bring his school books because he was afraid they'd be destroyed and we'd have to pay for them. Even in the face of losing everything, he was worried about our money situation. I love that kid.
And then there's my cat, my husband's beloved Felicks. He'd gotten very sick with pancreatitis just before the hurricane. He was too sick to evacuate, so I left him at the vet clinic, where the vets were going to stay to weather out the storm. I figured that during a hurricane, a vet clinic would be the best place for a sick cat to be. Now I'm regretting my decision. Sick or not, I should have brought Felicks with me. I suspect that the clinic was either destroyed or inundated by 25 feet of water. I cry and get nauseous every time I think about how Felicks' last minutes would have been as water began to rise in his cage. He'd have been so scared, wondering why I left him to die like that. Wondering where his family was. Dear God, I don't think I'm strong enough to handle all of this. I pray that at the last minute the vets got the animals out, because if not, the animals and vet staff are dead.
My husband's Coast Guard boat is currently patrolling Mobile Bay, looking for survivors. They've only found death. The water is full of dead farm animals. The boat can't dock anywhere because all of the bases have been destroyed. Even if they could dock, my husband can't get to our house because the city of Ocean Springs, where we live, is cut off from the world. The bridge between Biloxi and Ocean Springs was completely destroyed, as was the highway between Mobile and Mississippi. No one can get out of my town, and no one can get in. No phones. The mayor is missing. People in my neighborhood who have been able to get messages out are trapped in the rafters of their homes.
At least my son and I are safe. We couldn't afford to stay in a hotel for long, so we're staying in Georgia with my sister in law. It's crowded, but it could be so much worse, and I'm grateful. I'm finding that I'm grateful for really strange things–I'm happy when I get out my shaving razor because it's something I have that I won't need to buy. Crazy.
My mom is going to fly out and pick up my son and take him back to Washington state to start school again, since it will be months, maybe even a year before Ocean Springs schools can start up again. When roads open up, we'll have to rent a trailer or something to park in our driveway so we can salvage what we can and begin cleanup. I'll take anything we can save to Washington and live with my parents. Bryan will live on the boat and handle house cleanup from there. He can't get an apartment because there is nothing left on the Gulf coast, and we couldn't afford it–we still have 30 years worth of house payments to make on a house we can't live in, possibly ever again.
Our story is not unique, unfortunately. We evacuated over 300 miles out, yet the hotels in the area are packed with people who can't go home. People who evacuated with their pets are having to take them to shelters because they have no homes to go back to. If you live in an area where refugees fled, please consider adopting a pet–there are so many now that need homes.
But as bad as it is for us, I feel incredibly lucky right now. We're alive. I have a place to stay. We lost everything, but there are people who lost everything…AND they lost their jobs. The casinos, the fishing industry…all destroyed, as well as business that employed thousands of people. Bryan still has his job. I'm so proud of the guys on his boat–they know they've lost so much, yet they are having to deal with the unknown and worry while they help others.
I'm lucky in other ways, as well.
A couple of days ago, we had breakfast at Shoney's. My friend who evacuated with me was there, and we were crying as we ordered our kids' pancakes. When we went to leave, the staff wouldn't let us pay. It was such a small kindness, but one that meant the world to me.
And then I learned that the writing community has banded together to help not only me, but other writers who need help. I can't even begin to express what I feel about that right now. But I do want to thank everyone from the bottom of my heart for all the help and support and prayers.
I like to think I'm a strong person, but this has tested my strength. And the horror is only beginning. It'll take years to recover from this, and I don't know if the nightmares will ever end. Knowing that you are all here will help, though, and you can't possibly know how much that means to me.
God Bless,
Larissa
Oh, Larissa. It’s so good to hear your voice even if it’s via this medium. Take care of you and Bryan and the kid! Be strong and big hugs.
I’m just glad I’m not requred to speak right now. I’m so sorry for you and all the people who have lost so much. Im just glad we can do something to help, even if it’s just a drop in the bucket.
Big ole hugs!
Sharon
Dear Larissa, I’m crying as I type this. Nobody should have to face what you’re up against. My prayers are with you and your family, and all those caught up in this living nightmare.
Hugs!
My heart aches for you and your family, Larissa. This is just so devestating. Thank goodness for the generosity of those in the world of romance. I just hope we can continue to be symbols of hope in the long months to come.
I’m crying too. I don’t know where to start and what to say, only that I’m thinking of you and praying that you’ll all get through this. Even Felicks… I think it’s your grief over him that’s really got to me the most. The tragedy for humans is immense, and unimaginable to those of us living in our safe, dry homes right now, with all our belongings intact… but I can’t help thinking of the plight of the companion animals.
I’m hoping against hope that the vet and all the animals in his care got out safely, and you’ll get some news of Felicks soon.
Love
Wendy
Larissa, It’s so good to hear from you! I’m crying as well as I read your comments. My heart goes out to you! All my thoughts and prayers are still with you and your family and all the victims of the tragedy!
Ditto on what Alison said–it’s good to hear your voice. I can’t imagine what you’re going through. A thousand hugs!!!
Larissa,
We are praying for you, your family, and all of the victims of this horrible tragedy. My heart goes out to you (yes, I’m crying too.) Please know how many of us are thinking of you.
Oh, Larissa. I am crying while typing this. My heart goes out to you and your family. ((hugs)) Whatever you need, please let me know.
Larissa…my thoughts and prayers are with you and yours in this terrible, tragic time. What you are facing is just devastating, and my heart goes out to you and everyone else who was hit so hard by all the destruction. I’m so glad you and your family are safe! Take care, and big hugs!
I’m not crying–I’m bawling my eyes out. Larissa, I can’t even find the words. I’m so sorry–your family and all the survivors are in my prayers. Hugs and more hugs.
My husband told me last night that 70-80 pets found on the streets of New Orleans had been brought to San Antonio, and nearly all were adopted right away.
Words can’t express what I feel when I see the devastation. I’ve spent a few months in that area (TDY to Keesler), and my family lived in the area for several years–my brother has/used to have a house in Pascagoula (we don’t know yet, but he’s safe), so I see and hear about things that have great meaning to the area that are gone. People’s lives, like yours, uprooted in an instant, and I’m so sorry for it. I’m glad you were able to evacuate. My thoughts and prayers remain with you and all Gulf Coast/New Orleans area residents.
Larissa,
I finally had enough sense to stop trying your number and check your site. You are so darn resouceful…thank goodness.
If you need anything let me know. I have a 2 bedroom in San Antonio you are welcome to join me.
I’ll let the family know how you and the boy are doing and I’ll keep Bryan and Felix in my prayers.
210-507-5098 if you need ANYTHING!
Deb
Larissa, I’m crying as well. (((hugs))) Please know that you, and the others affected, are in my prayers.
Larissa, I know it’s terrible to say that I’m just glad to hear from you. Your email brought tears to my eyes. Continue to take care of yourself and your family, we’ll all be here to do what we can.
Much love,
Dee
Larissa, I’m so sorry! That’s just heartwrenching beyond imaginging. I hope this is the worst and things will get better, and that the government steps in to help people like you–it’s incomprehensible to have hurricane insurance and then be left holding the bag. Surely the government will make some kind of emergency mandate to take of that. I sure hope so! But in the end, I’m just glad you got out and have your family. Gigantic hugs about your kitty, and everything.
Oh, Larissa, I’m so, so sorry! All the hurricane coverage has broken my heart, but your story just has me in tears. And having a little rescued poodle/maltese who’s prone to pancreatitis, I especially indentify with your pain about your poor kitty, but if it’s any comfort at all, I would’ve done the same thing. Most kitties don’t travel well; one suffering from such a hard disease probably would’ve been too stressed out to survive the trip. You, your family, and your furry babies (mice included!) are in our prayers.
Your son, btw, sounds so very special. What a blessing he must be!
Hugs,
JoAnn
Oh Larissa. It’s so good to "hear" from you. I’m so very sorry about your loss. And about your kitty. It’s all so unbelievable. I’m glad you and your family are safe. Your story just has me in tears. Take care of yourself. I’ll be thinking of you and sending positive thoughts your direction.
Larissa, I’m praying for you and your family. I can’t express how sorry I am for all of your losses. Tears are rolling down my face right now: yours is the story that represents all of the tragedy we are seeing on the news, and my heart is breaking.
Please, please take care of yourselves. And I’m praying for peace to find you right now.
Larissa,
I am glad you and your family are ok. I am sorry for the loss of your house, my heart aches for you. I can’t imagine what you are going through right now but my thoughts and prayers are with you and all the hurricane victims.
Larissa, I’m without words. I’m keeping your family in my prayers. And, I’m thanking God for men like your husband. Your son is a special little guy. May you find strength and comfort in the days to come. ((hugs))
Helen
Larissa. I’m in tears with everyone else. I’m so sorry about it all. So sorry about your losses, the disruption to your life, your kitty. I don’t think that situation had a right answer. Sometimes there just isn’t one. I’m with JoAnn. I’m sure I would have made the same decision you did. And your kitty could be okay. My heart goes out to you and everyone who has had to endure mother nature’s wrath. (((HUGS)))
Larissa, I don’t really know what to say. I’m sorry for it all, for the grief you must be enduring. I’m glad you’re okay, and that most of your family is okay and I’ll keep Felicks in my prayers, just as you all are.
((Hugs))
I’m so glad you’ve checked in! And I’m so glad that you and your son and husband are all safe.
Let me know when you get to Washington. I’m here!
Oh my gosh, I’m sitting here crying like everyone else whose read your words. Prayers and angels to you and your family.
Larissa, I am so sorry to hear about your losses, but so profoundly grateful that you and your family are safe. Your concern for Felicks absolutely broke my heart. I’m praying that the vets were able to get to safety and that they took Felicks with them.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family, and with all those who have been touched by this tragedy. May God be with you all.
Larissa – ((((((((Hugs)))))) – and a thousand more. Have been thinking of you often and hoping you’re ok. Am crying now to hear all you’ve lost, but also relieved to know you and your family are ok. Will keep you in my prayers.
More ((((((((hugs)))))))).
Teresa
I just want to add thank you for taking the time to check in with us.
You and your husband are being pushed beyond what many of us will ever face and you’re still letting us know you’re basically okay. .
Larissa – huge hugs. I’ve been thinking of you and your family after reading the Tempt board. Stay strong and know that so many people are rooting for you. Jude D
Larissa – I’m lost for words. Just sending you big hugs and I’m glad you, your DH and kids are safe. So sorry about your cat (I know how I’d feel if I had to leave my dog behind) but I’m also sure your cat knew how much you loved him. So, so sorry that you’ve had to go through this. Thinking of you
Kate H x
Larissa, I can’t add more to say except I have been thinking of you and your family, and I want nothing more than a happy-ever-after for you. Let us know what we can do to help.
Julie
I don’t think anybody could read this without crying, not only for the loss, but for how strong you are.
I’ll continue thinking of you and please take care.
((((Larissa))))
My thoughts are with you, your family, pets, and all residents and four-legged survivors of the affected areas. Give us a shout if there is anything we can do. ((hug))
I don’t know what to say, except I am so sorry and my thoughts are with you and with everyone on the Gulf Coast.
Lynn
You guys are in my thoughts and prayers. My heart just breaks at the devastation and I am so thankful you guys are okay.
I know you’ve got a lot of people offering help and support, and I wanted to offer mine as well. When you get settled, or get things figured out as far as what you have/don’t have and still need, let me know.
Larissa- You’ve got me bawling! Oh my gosh, your story has touched my heart beyond belief. I can’t even begin to imagine the tragic nightmare that you are living right now. My heart and prayers go out to you, your friends, and family.
I will keep my fingers crossed that you are reunited with Felicks.
Hugs, hon, and when you get to WA, drop me a line if you’d like to meet a friendly face! I live about 45 minutes South of Seattle.
-Kellie
Larissa–we were so worried about you and your family. I’m glad you’re safe. Please let us know what we can do to help you. We’re there for you. Is there an address where we can send things? If you’re willing to post it, many of us would like to help.
Hugs!
(((((((((((LARISSA)))))))))))
I don’t know what else to say, sweetie.
Larissa, I’m so thankful you and your family are okay, but your story breaks my heart. You are so strong, even when you feel weak. Sending you loads of hugs and strength. I hope your family can be together very soon.
Larissa, this post brought me to tears. I’m soo happy you’re okay, and soo sad for your loss. ::Prayers winging their way to you.::
I’m so sorry for everything you and your family have gone through, Larissa. But I am relieved to know you’re safe.
Larissa, I’m so glad to hear from you, that you are safe. So sorry for all that you have gone through.
All prayers to you and your family, and to others in the same situation.
Thinking of you,
Tess
Larissa I have no words. But you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
(((Larissa))) My thoughts are with you and your family and all those affected by this tragedy.
Larissa, I am so glad that you, your son, and husband are safe. And I am so sorry that you lost so very much– property and sentimental wise. I can’t even think aout your cat, Felicks. I’m holding hope that the vets got him out. Think positive! Your post had me in tears. But thank you for reminding us to count our blessings. Be well. Be strong
Larissa, my prayers are with you and your family. I’ve been thinking about you.
I found you through a friends site, my prayers are with you. If you need anything, email me and I can try to get it together for you. Happy to do whatever I can!
Larissa, so glad to hear you and your family are safe. I’m praying for you and your family and your precious pet. Be sure to let us know how you’re doing as things progress. And know that God’s there and we’re there for you when you’re not feeling so strong!
God Bless
Larissa,
I’ve seen everything on TV but you brought me to tears. I was planning on giving money to the Red Cross and some of the other relief organizations, but after reading your story I went and did it right away. I so sorry for what you went through.
Your son does seem to be an amazing young man, but I can see where he gets that from, you and your husband.
You and the other victims will continue to be in my thought and prayers.
((((Hugs))))
Judy
As so much has made me cry during the aftermath of this storm, so did your post. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
I’m so glad you’re alive. I loved hearing your voice yesterday, loved knowing you were well. I’m praying for you, your husband and son, and your beloved kitty. I’m only a few hours away, don’t forget, and know that you can count on me to do anything and everything in my power to help you. My God bless you, and the many people who’ve suffered so much at nature’s hand. Hugs aren’t enough. Katie
Oh Waxie! I am so sorry! If there is anything we can do please let us know. I was so relieved to see this on your website. We have been worried sick about you. Please stay in touch and if you can email us through the Gnip I can give you my phone number. Take care and stay strong, Big Hug, Barbi
Where and what can we send to help you out?? I can send clothes toys blankets, whatever you need. Just let me know where. Barbi
Larissa,
Reading your story brought tears to my eyes. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. You might check with Best Friends Animal Sanctuary, they’ve been rescuing animals. 435-644-2001 or bestfriends.org.
Take care.
Debra Holland
((Larissa)), dear God, I’m just so sorry for you and all the others in the this horrible situation! Your cat… I was honestly thinking, sure the cat’ll be fine. But you and your dh and son are alive *and* have family support. In bad situations, that makes a huge difference. Flutter x
Wax, I’m so glad you got out! I’ve been trying to track you down to see if you need a place to stay for a while. Please let gnip know where you are staying. –Liz–
I’m SOOOO glad you had the good sense to get out of there. Thank God you’re all alive. Hang in there. Hugs.
I’m a lurker on your blog, and I just wanted to say my thoughts and prayers are with in this time. I’ve been moved to tears by your story.
Dear Larissa, Like a previous writer, another Jan, I’m crying, too, as I write this. Reading about your poor cat was the end of me. As if the humand hadn’t been through enough! How absolutely awful for you. Please know that there are lots of people thinking of you and praying for you – even from the other side of the world. And as we would say down here in Oz, bu**er the insurance companies! Stay as well as you can and try for some happy thoughts. Jan
It’s easy to say "Oh, how sad" or "Thank God it’s not me" when you’re watching the news or reading the newspaper,but hearing you Larissa, knowing that the devastation has hit someone I know(at least peripherally) is sobering and makes me thankful that you and your family did make it. I know the feeling of losing the little things to an accident, and I can tell you that while you do have moments of regret and agonize over hindsight, it’ll get better. I am so sorry about your cat–what an absolute nightmare–but stay safe and Godspeed.
Larissa,
My prayers to you and your family. Stay safe and God Bless.
Larissa,
I co-blog with Anna, your site designer and I just want to say thank god you are OK. This is heart wrenching!!!
Take care and best of luck!
Larissa, hon, it’s so good to hear from you. Your post has me in tears, the same way all the news footage does, but to know you are all safe is what matters most. I’m praying for Felicks and all of you every day. Big hugs and love.
Larissa, so glad you and your family are safe. I am so sorry about you pussy cat. Just to let you know that our thoughts and prayers are with you from all the editors form the M&B London office.
Oh Larissa–that is so awful, and yet wonderful you and your family are safe. Your husband and his colleagues are doing incredible jobs.
Could you make a list of things you need on your blog–and a postal address. People would be happy to send what they can, or a gift voucher for a store, or a present for your son. I know the charities are doing wonderful things, but you need stuff now–right?
Oh, Larissa. Like everyone else, your story brought tears to my eyes. I’m so sorry about your house and your cat. You and your family will be in my prayers.
Larissa,
I don’t really know you (except from Suzanne McMinn’s blog where I mostly lurk) but I just wanted you to know that I am praying for you and your family.
My heart is breaking for you and all the displaced, disillusioned, and devastated victims of Katrina.
I am glad that your and yours are safe. As a pet owner, I feel your pain over Felicks.
Know that people care about you and others like you and we are doing what we can to help.
(((((HUGS)))))
Angie
I’m so very, very sorry.
Hey lady – you’re in my prayers and my thoughts. I’m so glad you and your family is safe but hope there are rainbows for you very soon.
Jenn
I too am crying! I don’t even know what to say…I am so very sorry. But you are all alive and that is truly what is important now. All of the other stuff can be replaced. I can not even imagine losing everything. although my mothers home burned to the ground a few years ago and it was totally devasting. It was the house I grew up in and to this day it breaks my heart when I drive up the driveway. she did rebiuld but it is not the same.
Know that you are in my prayers. and know too that even though you do not know me, I know you through your books, and I would help in anyway I can!
God Bless you and your family
Toni,
THere is a post office box set up to take gift cards and other donations for Larissa. It’s
Access Romance /Larissa Ione
1795 N. Fry Rd. #263
Katy, TX 77449-3347
Larissa, I’m glad to "see" you. I know this is a difficult time. We used to live in Ocean Springs and I have a lot of family along the coast. Still waiting for news on many of them.
I know you must feel you’ve been tested beyond limits, but remember, God doesn’t challenge wimps.
I know you’ll hang tough, because that’s what you do. And take good care of your son; he’s a special person.
Please thank your husband for what he’s doing, too. It’s gruesome work, and I’m grateful he’s willing.
Blessings, Vicki
Oh, Larissa, I’m crying too. I’ve come from Suzanne McMinn’s blog. I didn’t really start watching the news until Sept. 1. I felt so devastated for those who lost their homes and those who had to stay behind because they had no way to get out. I can do little except pray for you and see how else I can help as plans get out. I have to move by Oct. 31 and I only found out 2 weeks ago. I’ve got a lot to do but if you post some of your favorite authors whose books you’d like to have, I’ll see if I have any, e-mail you the titles and send them to wherever you are by then. Blessings and healing in your grief on all your family and friends. I hope you find out what happened to Felicks–it’s always the uncertainty as to what actually happened that’s worst, isn’t it?
(((HUGS))) and prayers sent your way!
Larissa-You & yours are in my thoughts and prayers. I know the coming months will be difficult for you and I know some days it’ll be hard for you to find strength to go on, but just remember that there are a lot of people out here rooting for you and who will do whatever they can to help you out! Good luck & God Bless!
L-
Thank you for being so open with your struggle. You have personalized this for so many of us. It’s not something that happened on TV or the newspaper, it happened to my writing friend Larissa from the HQ boards.
I hope the government comes through with help rebuilding. But if not, file bankruptcy. Don’t pay on a house that is unlivable. Clean slate, fresh start.
Best of luck.
Larissa – My heart and prayers go out to you. Please let me know what I can do to help you. We all will! If your cat didn’t make it,his spirit did.
I watched Hurricane Katrina unfolded over the last week or so from thousands of miles distance and prayed for you and everyone else who would have to face it.
There is a sence of helplessness that you can’t open your high dry home in another country to the thousands in need, You and all those people effected or still struggling just to get to safety have my continued prayers and love and I hope we can do something here to help. RobbieW
I don’t know if Bekke’s told you, but you have first dibs on my guesthouse (2 furnished bedrooms, mostly furnished living room, bathroom, and kitchenette) if you want it. Seriously, you could stay for a year. No problems. It might give you some more independence. I’ve offered it to the RWA community affected by Katrina as a whole, but only if you prefer your current situation.
I’d default on the house if I were you. Paying it off despite everything is just unimaginable…
With love,
Rey
My heart goes out to you and your family! This may seem a strange question but do you sew at all? If so, I can send you a quilt project to work on as you try to get through the days ahead. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
I don’t know you, but a writer friend gave me the link for your blog. I wept the entire time I read your last entry and I’m still crying now. Prayers to you and your family (and of course to everyone affected by Katrina). Keep well and have faith.
Larissa, ((HUGS))
I cried the first time I read your blog so I had to wait and come back to post. Even a couple days later I cried all over again when I re-read your post. I’m so sorry for everything you and your family are going through. My thoughts and prayers are with you now as well as the months to come. Take care! :)
Oh man, that was supposed to be a sad/crying emoticon in my last post. I guess I’m all out of sorts today. Please keep us posted if you can.
I don’t know you either, and things might be difficult now, but I’m glad you’re alive to trudge through them. You’re in my thoughts, and please, hang in there.
*UPDATE*
Spoke to Larissa today -Felicks made it through both his illness and the hurricane!!! The phone lines came back up and she was able to call the vet. Bryan was going to try and visit Felicks sometime in the next few days. :)
I started crying when I read about poor Felicks… but then I saw the update! I’m so relieved that your cat is okay. I’m sorry so much is gone, I can’t even imagine how much heartache you’re going through. My prayers are with you and everyone else who had been effected!
I am so glad you all made it out okay. And I am so glad your furbaby Felicks is okay too.