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Cay Gibson Forum All-Star
Joined: July 16 2005 Location: Louisiana
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Posted: Sept 01 2005 at 4:03pm | IP Logged
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This morning I posted two special intentions under another prayer topic. I was really hoping not to have to open a new topic but...
Riots are breaking out in Baton Rouge and cars are being hijacked on I10. This interstate runs directly from N.O. through Baton Rouge/Lafayette/ then Lake Charles before entering Texas onto Houston. Our town is right off the Interstate.
At our local Target store, they had to evacuate customers because two *gang* fights broke out. Here in the Lake Charles area, we aren't familiar with *gangs* though we know they exist. LC is just small enough to avoid this behavior. Also, a lady was robbed in the Wal-Mart parking lots. They stole her groceries and her wallet.
Nine homes in our town were broken into last night!
My dh just called and instructed us not to leave the house unless he is with us.
__________________ Cay Gibson
"There are 49 states, then there is Louisiana." ~ Chef Emeril
wife to Mark '86
mom to 5
Cajun Cottage Under the Oaks
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JennGM Forum Moderator
Joined: Feb 07 2005 Location: Virginia
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Posted: Sept 01 2005 at 4:22pm | IP Logged
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Oh, I'm so sorry to hear this. It's just so horrible down there...why are people acting this way? It shouldn't bring out the dark side of us!!
I'm very busy at my house...we are leaving to go to Altoona, PA for Labor Day weekend, then bringing my MIL back to our new house...then having MY family over for my mother's birthday...and to visit with my MIL.
While I'm making beds, unloading boxes, cleaning bathrooms and just as of late scrubbing my shower stall, I was thinking what mundane things I'm doing...worried about where my furniture will go, clean sheets for my bed, is my shower clean...and thousands of people don't have a roof over their heads, not even a bed, and no shower, clean or unclean! I feel so helpless, but thank God for the Mystical Body, by our actions and prayers we can help others. So I'm offering all my actions up...just another part of the "Little Way."
__________________ Jennifer G. Miller
Wife to & ds1 '03 & ds2 '07
Family in Feast and Feria
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Laura Forum Pro
Joined: Aug 16 2005 Location: Virginia
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Posted: Sept 01 2005 at 4:26pm | IP Logged
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Cay,
I'm praying. It is so sad that a horrible situation like this brings out the worst in some people.
__________________ JMJ,
Laura
wife to Ken and mom to 8 blessings with #9 due July 26,2009
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Elizabeth Founder
Real Learning
Joined: Jan 20 2005 Location: Virginia
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Posted: Sept 01 2005 at 4:27pm | IP Logged
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Oh Cay! Would you like to take a road trip? We could plan you all the way up the east coast--you could car school through September! I think Trisha was wise to just go, though you're in a different situatio because it didn't hit you directly. But now, it appears you're facing a storm of your own. I'm so sorry.
__________________ Elizabeth Foss is no longer a member of this forum. Discussions now reflect the current management & are not necessarily expressions of her book, *Real Learning*, her current work, or her philosophy. (posted by E. Foss, Jan 2011)
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Mare Forum Pro
Joined: Feb 08 2005
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Posted: Sept 01 2005 at 4:30pm | IP Logged
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Cay,
Praying for peace and the safety of your family.
__________________
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mrsgranola Forum Pro
Joined: Feb 17 2005 Location: North Carolina
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Posted: Sept 01 2005 at 4:47pm | IP Logged
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Oh my... I"m with Elizabeth on this. If you'd like to hit the road on a little roadtrip, we'd be happy to have you stay with us. We're directly off of I-95, literally, right now in this huge rental house. You could see the sites in the central part of NC.
I'm so sorry that things are going so badly in LA, etc. I'm boxing up everything we don't need right now for babies and clothing that I can think of and sending to those who can use it. I wish I could do more... I hope many will do the same.
JoAnna
__________________ Mom to Jacob, Grace, Mary, Lucas, Emma, Carrie and Gianna
Parente Adventures
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momwise Forum All-Star
Joined: March 28 2005 Location: Colorado
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Posted: Sept 01 2005 at 4:51pm | IP Logged
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Cay Gibson wrote:
Riots are breaking out in Baton Rouge and cars are being hijacked on I10.
<snip> At our local Target store, they had to evacuate customers because two *gang* fights broke out.
<snip> Also, a lady was robbed in the Wal-Mart parking lots. They stole her groceries and her wallet. |
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Cay,
This is a fairly typical day in a lot of neighborhoods, including the one we just moved out of. Including some of those I grew up in. As spiritual poverty grows (especially in the hearts of the physically poor), so does violence. We owe a lot of thanks to our public schools for this situation but that's another thread
Your idea to live the Little Way for poor souls is wonderful. That's how St. Therese changed the heart of the murderer on death row. Commend your children to the Blessed Mother and talk to their Guardian Angels often. We'll continue in our prayers for order and light where there is darkness.
__________________ Gwen...wife for 30 years, mom of 7, grandma of 3.....
"If you want equal justice for all and true freedom and lasting peace, then America, defend life." JPII
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momwise Forum All-Star
Joined: March 28 2005 Location: Colorado
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Posted: Sept 01 2005 at 4:52pm | IP Logged
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Oh Sorry!! It was Jenn who was following the Little Way But of course I'm sure you are too Cay
__________________ Gwen...wife for 30 years, mom of 7, grandma of 3.....
"If you want equal justice for all and true freedom and lasting peace, then America, defend life." JPII
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MEBarrett Forum All-Star
Joined: Feb 15 2005 Location: New York
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Posted: Sept 01 2005 at 5:46pm | IP Logged
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Oh Cay, I am so sorry. I can't imagine. Prayers for you and your family going up now.
__________________ Blessings,
Mary Ellen
Mom to seven beautiful kids
Tales from the Bonny Blue House
O Night Divine
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Cay Gibson Forum All-Star
Joined: July 16 2005 Location: Louisiana
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Posted: Sept 01 2005 at 8:40pm | IP Logged
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You guys are all so sweet and, believe me, the south is humbled by your outpouring of prayers and assistance.
AFter I posted, officials came on the news to reassure us that all was ssafe and there were no problems.
Okay, my dc tell me I overreact anyway. Then...
Dh came home and took us all to the aquatic center. The town seemed tranquil as always and I decided that, unless I saw problems or heard from reliable people, I'd try to stay calm.
Then I get home and find my local hs eloop with various announcements. The teachers at a school my aunt teaches at have been instructed to leave early because it is not safe to be there. One mom went to Wal-Mart and the car next to her was burglarized.
One mom has a sister who works for the police station and another has a husband who works for the sheriff's department and, yes, they are having problems.
It's embarrassing to see people behaving the way they are in N.O and the surrounding territory. I know there are lots of great people who lived in N.O. If something this big happened in NY or Houston I'm sure there would be looting and gang violence as well. Those come with big city life.
I hope people don't watch what's on TV and think that's Louisiana! It isn't. We are so small town-country out here. You've heard the saying "country bumpkin come to town"? Well, it's just the opposite now. It's "big city come to country" and we aren't use to it.
I'm trying to hold on to compassion cause I know lots of those people don't want to be there, and they have been without food and drink and comforts of home; but they are only hurting themselves by *helping* themselves to the disaster area. My dh said that these people don't *want* our help and should be left there to fend for themselves.
My dh and my brother were leaving out in the morning to help with the relief effort in N.O. DH said they probably wanted his boat more than him but he was willing to go help. With the shootings, I began to worry. I needn't have worried. They've canceled all relief effort and will not allow civilians to go into the area. Our governor is furious and now the armed forces are coming in to restore order.
I hope it works...soon!
Thanks again for all your kindness...and keep the prayers coming.
Cay
__________________ Cay Gibson
"There are 49 states, then there is Louisiana." ~ Chef Emeril
wife to Mark '86
mom to 5
Cajun Cottage Under the Oaks
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JennGM Forum Moderator
Joined: Feb 07 2005 Location: Virginia
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Posted: Sept 01 2005 at 9:15pm | IP Logged
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Cay Gibson wrote:
I hope people don't watch what's on TV and think that's Louisiana! It isn't. We are so small town-country out here. You've heard the saying "country bumpkin come to town"? Well, it's just the opposite now. It's "big city come to country" and we aren't use to it.
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No way, Cay! I was telling my dh that disasters like this expose the underbelly and ugly side of areas...it's like N.O's slip is showing! But it's definitely not all of LA...and I know that!
__________________ Jennifer G. Miller
Wife to & ds1 '03 & ds2 '07
Family in Feast and Feria
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Marybeth Forum All-Star
Joined: May 02 2005 Location: Illinois
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Posted: Sept 01 2005 at 10:32pm | IP Logged
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Oh, Cay! It is just so horrible to hear all this. I can't imagine living through it.
My dh and I loved our trip to NO six years ago. I just can't believe the vast destruction of such a beautiful part of our country.
My brothers were in the LA riots years ago. They still have stories they won't share with us. Please keep safe and know we are praying for you.
Marybeth
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alicegunther Forum All-Star
Joined: Jan 28 2005 Location: N/A
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Posted: Sept 01 2005 at 11:51pm | IP Logged
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Cay, I am horrified by what is going on in New Orleans and the surrounding areas, and you and all your neighbors and friends will be in our prayers.
__________________ Love, Alice
mother of seven!
Cottage Blessings
Brew yourself a cup of tea, and come for a visit!
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Genevieve Forum All-Star
Joined: April 02 2005
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Posted: Sept 02 2005 at 6:20am | IP Logged
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This is terrrible, Cay. Will be praying.
__________________ Genevieve
The Good Within
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Erica Sanchez Forum All-Star
Joined: March 05 2005 Location: California
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Posted: Sept 02 2005 at 12:36pm | IP Logged
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Cay, we're praying for you here in California. It is depressing to watch it all on the news, but much more sad to hear your personal accounts. I was just commenting to dh last night, that when we watched coverage of the tsunami, people's reactions seemed so different. It is hard to put it into words, but people over there seemed much calmer and pulled together much quicker - I could be way off in my observations! I know the news keeps covering the bad stuff, sometimes showing the same looting pictures over and over......I know there are many good stories, like the priest and Catholic center at LSU....
We'll pray for your safety, Cay.
We'll pray for calm and peace in these poor people's hearts, that even in the midst of total despair, they choose to do the right thing.
We'll especially pray for the safety and health of all the babies and children.
And, we'll pray for all those who are helping at the national level all the way down to folks like you, Cay, that you can persevere in offering whatever help is needed.
Cay, being almost in the middle of things, what would you say is the very best way for us to help? Money to the Red Cross or something similar would be good, I'm sure, but what else? We could easily send clothes to you, but would that be helpful? What about little care packages for children? We did a project last Lent where we put some food, some stickers, and such in a gallon sized platic baggie. We could do a bunch of those. Would that be helpful? Or would hard cash be better?
God bless you, LA, MS, AL, TX, and the nation during these difficult times!!!
__________________ Have a beautiful and fun day!
Erica in San Diego
(dh)Cash, Emily, Grace, Nicholas, Isabella, Annie, Luke, Max, Peter, 2 little souls ++, and sweet Rose who is legally ours!
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Cay Gibson Forum All-Star
Joined: July 16 2005 Location: Louisiana
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Posted: Sept 02 2005 at 2:20pm | IP Logged
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Erica Sanchez wrote:
I was just commenting to dh last night, that when we watched coverage of the tsunami, people's reactions seemed so different. It is hard to put it into words, but people over there seemed much calmer and pulled together much quicker - I could be way off in my observations! |
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Your remarkably on target, Erica. My father showed up this morning and brought up a point I had failed to take note of. The majority of these poor black people from the inner city N.O. were on government assistance, welfare, food stamps, etc.
The government has literally crippled them. They were given a fish...not taught how to catch one. Many have no trade or experience to fall back on.
Also, the mayor very *heatedly*said that drugs have always been a problem in N.O. Now you have people who have had their drug supply cut-off from them and are now needing a *fix*. People like that become irrational and violent. You cannot possibly *talk* to them or even try to.
Erica Sanchez wrote:
Cay, being almost in the middle of things, what would you say is the very best way for us to help? Money to the Red Cross or something similar would be good, I'm sure, but what else? We could easily send clothes to you, but would that be helpful? What about little care packages for children? |
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Erica, you're so sweet to care and to offer.
I just heard that clothes is coming in abundance. Two items are short and they regenerated how much they need these two items: underwear and socks; socks and underwear. You get the picture.
Also, adult diapers, infant diapers, and sanitary napkins.
I just heard this morning that our local state park now has a tent housing set-up for refugees. Since it is not a Red Cross shelter, Red Cross is not supplying or manning this. Market Basket stores are collecting bins of stuff to take to them or people can bring items out. Our hs group is getting supplies to them.
To be on the cautious side of giving, I suggest you give to the Catholic charities.
Must go...thanks for all your help.
__________________ Cay Gibson
"There are 49 states, then there is Louisiana." ~ Chef Emeril
wife to Mark '86
mom to 5
Cajun Cottage Under the Oaks
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Cay Gibson Forum All-Star
Joined: July 16 2005 Location: Louisiana
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Posted: Sept 02 2005 at 2:40pm | IP Logged
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These people have had no baths in 5 days.
I'm sure soaps and deodorant would be good items to send.
I've bought deodarant wipes from Avon to use at the soccer field and beach. Those and sanitary wipes would be excellent comforts in this case of emergency.
__________________ Cay Gibson
"There are 49 states, then there is Louisiana." ~ Chef Emeril
wife to Mark '86
mom to 5
Cajun Cottage Under the Oaks
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Leonie Forum All-Star
Joined: Jan 28 2005
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Posted: Sept 02 2005 at 8:49pm | IP Logged
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We are praying for your safety, Cay, and for all hurt by the hurricane.
I feel so sad for the poor people suffering, for those drug addicts you mentioned, for all concerned.
Leonie in Sydney
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esperanza Forum All-Star
Joined: Aug 17 2005 Location: Virginia
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Posted: Sept 02 2005 at 9:56pm | IP Logged
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Prayers from Va for all affected by this...
I wanted to share what the youth minister at my parish sent out today...knowing there are many families on this forum in No. Va--
Dear Parents and Teens,
Greetings in Christ. I hope this finds you well. I am writing you today with a few ways that you can help with the disaster relief. If you ever needed an exact representation of Matthew 25 here it is: (“Then the king will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father. Inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, a stranger and you welcomed me, naked and you clothed me, ill and you cared for me...”).
I hope you will consider one or more of the following.
1) Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Arlington is putting together a list of families willing to house people who have lost their homes as a result of this hurricane. If you would like to open your home to a victim family, you can register by calling Catholic Charities at 703-841-3830. CCDA has not yet been contacted for this kind of assistance by their affiliates in the Gulf Coast region, but it could just be a matter of time. Please call them if you would consider taking in a family or individuals. (parenthetically, Bishop Ireton is attempting to bring up to 400 students from New Orleans — they would stay with families and go to school in the evenings).
2) If you want to contribute to the Hurricane Relief you can do so through Catholic Charities via the following link:
http://www.catholiccharitiesusa.org/news/content_displays.cf m?fuseaction=display_document&id=646&location=3
3) Finally, the Diocese will have a collection the weekend of September 17/18. This will take place at all the Masses. Teens, I am asking you to consider making an offering as well — not just your parents. I explained this to my 4 year old son and he will be giving some money from his piggy bank (true story).
Thank you for taking the time to read this. I was planning on sending out just Youth Ministry information via this, but these circumstances are obviously extraordinary.
Teens, if you are interested in doing more, or if you have other ideas that you would like to spearhead, please let me know via email or by calling me at 703-298-5212.
Peace this day and have a blessed Labor Day weekend.
Bill Gavin
Youth Minister
Holy Trinity Parish
703-298-5212
__________________ In His Peace,
Tammy Gonzalez in VA
dh-Johnny
mom to Tara-'85, Noelle-'88, Jeremy-'91, Elizabeth-'93, Emma-'96, Dominic-'99, Gabriel-'01, Elijah-03
and Jacinta-06
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Erica Sanchez Forum All-Star
Joined: March 05 2005 Location: California
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Posted: Sept 02 2005 at 10:41pm | IP Logged
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Maybe we could add to our prayers the intention that there might be some huge conversions out of this tragedy! Maybe some of the drug addicts will recover and maybe some totally reliant on government assistance will find a way out - at least somewhere down the road...
Thank you for the great suggestions of what to send.
__________________ Have a beautiful and fun day!
Erica in San Diego
(dh)Cash, Emily, Grace, Nicholas, Isabella, Annie, Luke, Max, Peter, 2 little souls ++, and sweet Rose who is legally ours!
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