Prayers for Difficult Times

September 2, 2005

Friends:

Thank you so much for all your concern and kindness. We have family we have not heard from this past week. My husband's uncle, Sherwin Carter, is with the N.O. Fire Department. We are unable to reach him or his wife and don't know their status. That's my mother-in-law's brother and she is so worried. Antonio's godmother, Lily Norman, is also unaccounted for. We heard from her just after the storm but not since.

Antonio's aunt, Donna Riley and her three children (the wife of the NOPD Officer who stayed in New Orleans on duty - Danny Riley) were staying in her oldest daughter's apartment in Baton Rouge. They received a note on the door of the apartment that said residents faced eviction if they harbored anyone not listed on their lease. They would not allow Hurricane Victims to stay with friends and family in the apartment complex. Donna also tried to receive assistance from Red Cross and Salvation Army in Baton Rouge and was turned away. They said they could only help people in shelters. She is going to come to Houston (we may be adding 4 more to our house's capacity - we have 16 in this house right now). Our host family has been so sweet and understanding but I know this is stressful for them as well.

These are family members we are very close to, not distant relatives. Danny and Donna's house is in New Orleans East and the water is to her rooftop. Sherwin (the firefighter) lives right next door.

My husband and brother have 15 co-workers trapped in Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center on the third floor. They are University police officers who risked their lives to stay behind. They are now running out of provisions and are unable to escape the building. There is 20 feet of water all around. The building is very close to the Superdome.

My brother also has not heard from his oldest son, Christian James, who is 14 years old. Christian lives with his mother (my brother's first ex-wife) and my brother has been unsuccessfully trying to reach them. He just wants to hear his son's voice. My heart aches.

Please pray for them and for all the families who truly need a miracle. May God open doors and send them blessings.

Warmly,
Dianne