"We are just barely up and running here in Lake Charles. The only reason I have internet access and cable at this time is that D obtained a wire off the ground from a neighbor's yard 3 houses away and through some form of piracy.... connected it to our house. It is dangling from rooftops and we have repeatedly warned the children not to run too fast across the yard because the wire might choke them!! Usually we have wireless internet but D somehow rigged it to work... hope we don't get in trouble. Legally, we still have no phone or cable service and therefore few of the cousins or aunts/uncles around LC can actually email.
"Mom and Dad have been in regular contact with L and N and are aware of Uncle S's condition. He is at a nursing home in [a New Orleans suburb that was flooded] now since he is unable to take care of himself. According to my Dad, Uncle S is not very happy and just wants to go to his own home. It was badly damaged during hurricane Katrina due to flooding.
"My house is in great shape compared to those throughout town. I actually feel very lucky. There is nothing, NOTHING left in Cameron Parish. Only slabs and debris. I can't even imagine.
"It will take a very long time to fix everything around here. The FEMA blue roof program put a temporary roof on my house the other day. Now at least the rain will not continue to fall in. We have spoken to three roofers and placed our names on their lists. They estimate many months before they get to us. This is pretty normal for everyone. They also said they cannot find roofing supplies anywhere from here to Tennessee. I don't know when it will be fixed. I can't fix my kitchen until my roof is finished or the water may come in again. Oh, it is just not very pretty either. Oh well.... I am still so thankful we are able to stay in our home and that we didn't lose all of our belongings.
"The night of the storm, I stayed awake listening to the radio in Baton Rouge. At that time, there were tropical storm strength winds and storms in Baton Rouge and I felt afraid there. I couldn't imagine what it must be like 2 1/2 hours away in Lake Charles. I was sure that there would be nothing left when we returned. In many places there isn't anything left. Many homes are totaled completely. A huge percentage of homes' roofs are damaged (like 80%) and over half of those roofs have been totaled by insurance adjusters (including mine).
"If there is any positive way to look at things, 98% of the people in Lake Charles left town on a mandatory evacuation. There was no loss of life due to the storm and people listened to the authorities. Thank goodness they were smart enough to listen. Also, it has been a good reminder of how GOOD people can be. Neighbors helping neighbors and strangers helping strangers. You see it everywhere --- for everything --- for all kinds of jobs, help with food, shelter , clothing.... etc..
"I will keep in touch.
"Love, J"
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