Melanie Reber
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 3707
posted
Dearest Betty,
Thank you so very much for your concern, and for your help with my family. I am overwhelmed by the generosity shown this past week.
Below is an email that I just sent out this morning. This may help to update you and others on what has been happening.
Much love, M
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Dearest friends,
My heart is full with gratitude for your love and support during this most unbelievable time. Many of you have been trying to reach me with concern for my family in New Orleans, so, I am writing to you now to pass on what has transpired and to let you know that your prayers are still needed.
It has been over a week now, and while some family members have been located, and are safe...others have yet to be heard from.
As you know, New Orleans is my home town. In the last few days, as I witness the chaos and destruction, I am so saddened at the loss of what I grew up with.
Major landmarks that I once knew are now either flooded, destroyed, burned or simply gone.
I am heartbroken by the desperation that I see in the eyes of those who remain, and by the obvious shock that I have heard and felt with firsthand accounts from those who have evacuated.
But, through it all, I am also incredibly gratified with the spirit of human kindness that has so freely been bestowed upon my family members who now find themselves in uncertain times.
My mother has been relocated to Baton Rouge where she has found shelter within her church system. I have yet to actually speak with her, but am comforted in knowing that she is being taken care of for the moment.
My sister leaves today for a work opportunity in Florida. Her son will be staying with relatives in Louisiana so he can continue in school.
Her daughter has yet to be located. I also have an elderly Grandmother, Aunt, Uncle, and their families that have not been located.
All of their names and information have been posted on the national missing person lists...so, for now, all we can do is wait and keep hoping for some word soon.
We are uncertain of the condition of my Mother's home right now. She has weathered many hurricanes throughout her life in New Orleans, but no one was or could have been prepared for what is taking place now.
My Sister's home is in ruins. The tin roof blew away, and the wooden frame caved in. What remains is a filthy wet moldy mess. She was able to salvage very few possessions, and gave away all she could in the form of canned goods and water to her neighbors that were still stranded without food, water, or electricity. She will be basically starting over when people are allowed to do so.
I am also in a state of transition, relocating to California...so we all have more in common than we expected as we each find our ways home. But during times such as this, we are reunited with a love that surpasses all else.
A special thank you to each who have kept us in your hearts, opened wide your arms, and shared with your generosity.
Much love as always, Melanie
Posts: 7052 | From Colorado | Registered: Mar 2003
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I had tears in my eyes as I read this. My heart goes out to you. You and your family will be in our prayers. Please keep us informed.
-------------------- Love, Angela Posts: 572 | From New Jersey | Registered: Oct 2000
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Andie333
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 7370
posted
Melanie,
Like Angela, I also read your update with tears in my eyes -- grateful for the relatives you have been able to locate and so sorry for the ones who haven't yet been found, not to mention the homes lost.
This has been a horrific event; please know you're in my thoughts and prayers.
Andie
Posts: 2549 | From never never land | Registered: May 2005
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I've been crying all damn week and your story was no different.
I can't tell you how much it saddens me that you have family you can not located - and family you have yet to speak with - to reunite with.
I'm so sorry you are having to endure this - but altho I don't really know you - I can tell from your letter you are strong and I trust you will not only survive this, but you will also thrive again.
You & your family are in my thoughts & prayers,
-------------------- DR. Wiseass NOT a real doc - just a real wise Posts: 792 | From USA | Registered: Jan 2005
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bettyg
Unregistered
posted
Melanie,
Thank you for your heartfelt letter to us all letting us know what you have currently found out on all your family members found and those still not found yet.
Glad you posted you had that you were on the MISSING LIST.
I had checked the new site: next of kin registry where I spent 30 minutes looking for your uncle/niece since you had post4ed their names, cities/states in the Louisiana area.
May God provide you the comfort, support, and continued strength getting you all thru this horrible ideal.
Iowa is getting ready to receive their 1st plane full of folks relocating here for now....
-------------------- --Lymetutu-- Opinions, not medical advice! Posts: 96239 | From Texas | Registered: Feb 2001
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Melanie Reber
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 3707
posted
Thank you all so very much for your words of love and concern...they mean the world to me.
I will try and keep you all updated as I hear any word.
Much love, M
Posts: 7052 | From Colorado | Registered: Mar 2003
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Kara Tyson
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 939
posted
Sorry to hear about this. Keep us informed.
-------------------- Kara Tyson Lyme Disease Support Group Of Alabama--MobileChapter Posts: 6022 | From Mobile, AL | Registered: Apr 2001
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Melanie Reber
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 3707
posted
My neice Virginia has been found! She is with her father and doing fine I hear.
Thank Goodness, and thank you also to those who have been helping to locate my family members!
I think these have been the longest 10 days of my life...
Much love, melanie
Posts: 7052 | From Colorado | Registered: Mar 2003
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I am so sorry to hear of such hardships you and your family members are experiencing at this time. I will continue to keep all those affected by this hurricane in my thoughts and prayers.
I just wanted to drop a note to say that our little state of RI is preparing to receive 500 individuals who have been displaced by Katrina. As it looks presently, these families will be soon living in Middletown.
These families will be relocated to Navy housing that recently was gutted and renovated. The houses are comprised of two and four bedroom units. Thus, they will be well cared for by our community for the projected next six to 12 months. The three towns in my community that comprise the Island I live on is currently working out the details prior to their arrival.
I just wanted to impart this as just another example of how Americans continue to band together for our fellow Americans in their time of need. With all that everyone has done and will continue to do, let's pray this will give those in need a sense of hope. Thus, in time, both children and adults alike can once again dream and plan for a happier/better time.
Keeping you and yours in my thoughts and prayers, Debbie/RI
Posts: 162 | From RI | Registered: Aug 2003
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quote:Originally posted by Melanie Reber: My niece Virginia has been found! She is with her father and doing fine I hear.
YIPPPEEEE! How many more are not yet located?
-------------------- --Lymetutu-- Opinions, not medical advice! Posts: 96239 | From Texas | Registered: Feb 2001
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Melanie Reber
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 3707
posted
I am still searching for my uncle, his wife, and children and their families.
My aunt, her husband, children and families.
And my dear grandmother...
Posts: 7052 | From Colorado | Registered: Mar 2003
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Caryn
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 366
posted
Hi Melanie,
i feel so sorry for what you and other's here who live or have relatives in the areas hit. i just can't imagine what you are going thru. i'm glad you have located your niece. i hope the others will be found safe and sound soon.
Posts: 1093 | Registered: Nov 2000
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Melanie Reber
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 3707
posted
Dear friends,
It is difficult for me to believe that it is now 5 days later, and I still haven't been able to locate my missing relatives.
I've yet to speak with my mother since the storm- the last I heard, she was relocated, but no one seems to know where.
My sister is having a very difficult time as you can imagine. I think the reality of it all is finally beginning to sink in.
Your continued prayers are certainly needed.
Thank you so much.
Love, Melanie
Posts: 7052 | From Colorado | Registered: Mar 2003
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posted
Melanie, You and your family are on our church's prayer list. Please keep us posted, OK?
Love, GG
-------------------- --Lymetutu-- Opinions, not medical advice! Posts: 96239 | From Texas | Registered: Feb 2001
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Andie333
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 7370
posted
Melanie,
I cried when I read this thread. My heart goes out to you, and I'll keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers.
Andie
Posts: 2549 | From never never land | Registered: May 2005
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bettyg
Unregistered
posted
Beach4,
what a very kind offer for you to make to help Melanie on finding her relatives!! It's people like you/all others that help most when the burden is just to much to walk alone instead of being carried at this time.
Melanie, thank you for the update on your family! My heart is just so broken for ALL of you who lost your homes, jobs, and loved ones.
I follow the news daily for 2 hrs. I began having panic attacks yesterday afternoon, all last night where I couldn't sleep at all, & I feel the same way now. Here I am SAFE, with my family, and living a "normal" life!
My continued thoughts & prayers to all of you.
Hope God will work his miracles and get the lost reunited in next 24 hrs. with your loved ones with ALL the internet data bases helping to match up folks sooner vs. later.
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