Just wanted to let everyone know that I am alive and well and almost home! About 6 blocks away to be exact! :) Austin and I are currently residing in best friend Billy's spare room until I find out about more permanent arrangements. I'll be waiting at the realty office, when they (finally) re-open in the morning, to let them know that my house is currently unlivable and hopefully they will have some options available.
A friend did a 'drive by' the day after the hurricane and told me that, other than a lot of debris and a tree on my carport, everything looked fine. When I was able to sneak into the parish a few days later I found out that, on the back of the house, the (tin) roof had literally peeled up in several places and down came the rain! Its still unknown how much of the contents in the house are a write off. I was told by a pulmonologist to stay out of *any* house that had any water damage because of my COPD and lung issues, so other than a quick walk through over fallen ceiling tiles and soggy books, I haven't been able to do much. My hope is that the realty company may have another house for Austin and I to move into right away. I love my mom and I love my friend Billy but if I have to live with either of them for long it may be a case of hurricane induced homicide! More than anything I just want to have my OWN front door again. Guess I'm old and set in my ways but I like living in my own space.
Bottom line is we are doing fine. More than fine. Our loss is only 'stuff'... the memories and lives that count are still right here all around us and we are far more fortunate than many.
(oh, most of the beads, and my 1955 illustrated copy of Ivanhoe, went with us! :) )
And though I may make light of the last 2 weeks, there were times it was hard... being called 'displaced' and 'evacuees', and the moment I stood in my backyard and saw the roof peeled up.... but by far the hardest was explaining to a 4 yr old why we could not go home, to his routine and his life... We were safe and had places to stay (family) but it still felt a lot like being lost. Austin has come through this very well... not without tears and confusion, but I've held him close and never hesitated to answer his fears honestly. I have seen a glimmer of the person he is growing into, and I am so very proud of him.
I want to say thanks to all of you, for your prayers and good thoughts and concern... knowing that wonderful people like all of you are 'out there' made a world of difference.
HUGS to all... and it is soooooo good to be back! :)