OT Anniversary of Hurricane Katrina

I have no words, Terri. And I only read a few snippets - couldn't manage the whole. Let us hope that, somehow, the world of the south comes out a better place than it has now become. I'm not judging, just hoping. . In message , Terri writes

Hey Terry:

Yes everyone has their story to tell and like you I am so grateful that I am still here to tell about it. One year later my recovery story is that about 90 percent of every thing is repaired and am living comfortably. My bright light in this past year has been my Hug Quilt I received last March while heading to a Quilt Show in Pensacola with Polly. When I am tired both physically and mentally all I have to do it pass by my bedroom and there lies that sunny quilt on my bed. And yes as I sit here packing to run from the first hurricane of the season and coming this way, that quilt reminds me I will get through this emergency too.

Hugs to you Terri and praying we make it through this season without as much as a drop of rain from any of the storms.

Kate T. South Mississippi

"Kate T." wrote in news: snipped-for-privacy@i42g2000cwa.googlegroups.com:

When I am tired both physically and mentally all I have to do

Hey Ms. Kate, If my prayers are strong enough to keep any wind higher than 20mph away from you this year then Ernesto is as good as gone. I'm tickled you have a hug quilt to brighten you up. Had I been able to I'd have loved to join in on that for you although I don't know what good it would have done as I didn't have an unsresticted zipcode for postal services for months on end! I'll be thinking of you and yours and hugs right back at you.

I am so weary of hurricane recovery and hurricane preparation that I don't want to talk about either. I do, however, certainly want to talk about our Hug quilt. When they drop by, I've noticed that our DDs and our neighbors have to go down the hall to my Hug, put their hands on it for a few moments, smile and feel the love. That precious expression continually blesses a lot of hearts and lives. It is visible, tangible, powerful evidence that people truly do care. How very wonderful. I profoundly thank you all. If you didn't get to be a part of our hugs, we understand. Boy! life does get in the way. Never, ever miss an opportunity to be a part of one if you possibly can. Polly

Polly, I've only participated in a couple hugs.....my intentions are always good but my follow through is lousy. Your post has reinforced my resolution to be better about this....it's more than a quilt, isn't it? I wish my name was on YOUR hug....you mean a lot to me. KJ

Well, then, dear friend, one day we'll find a way to let you sign our hug. Meanwhile do chime in when other hug calls present themselves. I print hug announcements and keep them here in front of me. I try to respond just as quickly as possible. Hugs blocks can run from a simple signed blank all the way to a ridiculous grinning gator. You wouldn't believe the racket going on here. The neighbors haven't complained. They especially love the hug. Polly

I do better when I have a closer time limit than a longer one. For some reason if I have too much time I put it off.

I haven't gotten any requests > Well, then, dear friend, one day we'll find a way to let you sign our hug.

Nope, you've gotten them all. Last one was at least a month ago.

Karen, Queen of Squishies