The news of the destruction and attempts for recovery after Hurricane Ike struck the Gulf Coast has dwindled to a snail's pace. Galveston is a fun place, but after all it doesn't have anywhere near the notoriety of New Orleans. That reality doesn't help.
You see, the destruction is of the same intensity and magnitude. People's homes are no longer standing; others have been told theirs can't be repaired, but their insurance won't pay for the total loss that FEMA has arbitrarily put on them. What to do?
How does this happen in America? they ask.
Thousands are homeless and substitute housing is very tight, to non-existent. Garbage, animal carcases and former yachts are piled all together in skyscraper-sized landscape art. Hundreds of people are missing. It's feared many of their bodies are also in those piles of debris. Cadaver dogs are searching.
You read about my lifelong friend, George Helmond, deciding to leave when it was too late. He drowned in his truck. It made the national news. There were many others who died, too. They didn't make the news. People shouldn't die like this.
So here's what I would like for you to do...two things:
- Add the people of Galveston Island and County to your daily prayers
- Ask that your church add the Island and County to its church services' prayer list.
Please contact your church right now while you're thinking about it.
And if you know in your heart you should make a financial contribution to help those who are in need, but are afraid to send money for fear that a big part of it will go for administration, here's what you can do.
Make a check payable as follows:
- Rector's Discretionary Fund - IKE
- Trinity Episcopal Church
- 2216 Ball Avenue
- Galveston, Texas 77550
I'll guarantee you that sent to this church that 100% of your contribution will be used to help victims, and it will be tax deductible as well.
Thanks.
BILL CHERRY, REALTORS
DALLAS
214 503 8563
1 800 314-7110
Our 43rd Year Selling Texas
Another way I feel we can contribute is speaking which is what Bill does so well. Areas were "blacked out" from media coverage which helps contribute to the fact that we have not gotten the press needed to help. This all b/c, I assume we want to protect out tourism. This is not the time to do so. Our visitors will be back. Now is the time to lend a hand to the people that live, love and preserve our island.
75% of the homes in Galveston got flood damage. We have been working hard to get our city back to where it needs to be. Bill if you have been to the island since the storm you know what I mean. It is beyond belief. Ever yesterday I was still driving around in shock. The fact that UTMB WILL be laying of many is a scary prospect to our economy. As you know this is the backbone of the island. The federal and state govt needs to speak up and help. They saved 4000 jobs last week.
Another way to contribute is via the Bush/ Clinton website set up to collect for our communities. http://www.ghcf.org/
I would also like to recommend anyone who is interested should frequent the oldest newspaper in Texas. The Galveston County Daily News. Very informative when it comes to learning more about what we face.
Hi Bill!
I am so astonished that we haven't really heard about this! Where is the news? I mean, the bloodhound reporters have never taken a black out seriously before! Why now? Thanks so much for opening my eyes! The Galveston area will be in my prayers tonight! Take care! Paula
Howdy Bill
Sure am sorry about your friend.
I'll keep the Galveston folk's in my prayers untill each and everyone of them are back on their feet.
Bill, Good post, we can not just let this go we as Texans must make a huge effort to help any way we can. If there is a need for workers in the area and you can go I know it would help. Check to be sure that there is a place that you can help and not be in the way. Sen money if you can not help.
Bill...I did read the story about George. I believe it was on line. I am so sorry for your loss!
If it's any comfort the person who related the story who was talking to him on the phone.....made it sound like he was not afraid but was still going to try to beat it! At least he wasn't afraid.
You are in my prayers too Bill!
Bill, you have my prayers and hopes that the national media will stop talking money and politics and do something for Galveston, while they are giving away 700 billion- why not get some to Ike victims.
Hi Bill... I am so sorry about your friend George.
And you are correct, Galveston was just as badly damaged as New Orleans, but being a smaller city with less national tourism and noteriety, the media attention seems to have left Galveston as quickly as the storm did.
Thanks fo all of you -- Miss Joanie, Steve, Don, Dale and Miss Paula, Jane Christina and Steve -- for adding the people of Galveston to your thoughts and prayers.
I continue getting home-taken amateur photos from my friends. The size of the damage and the mess left behind is nothing short of amazing. And the progress that has been made in the clean-up and fix-up would only fill a gnat's navel...even after the work of untold thousands.
My dear friend Barbara Railey, a federal attorney, told me that she drove in from Austin last evening, and that as she drove across 61st Street, a street that has a bayou on either side of it, it was pitch black. The very expensive homes that had been on those waterfront lots were now gone.
Bill it is very bad. We tried to see the silver lining and took our kiddos and our bulldog to the jettys at East Beach yesterday. It was nice to find sand dollars and try to look past the devastation all around us. Its very bad. You will be shocked when you finally make it down. If you go to my blog you will see a link that was passed to me by my sister, who I have previously told you is married to Derill Naschke. Dr. Lablanc fell and hurt himself badly just a few weeks ago. AR Lucas, the owner of Lukes was put into intensive cae due to bacteria. Its been a rough few weeks. Here is the link. You may have seen some of these but I am sure a few may be new to you.
http://www.tpicks.com/pictures%20people%20have%20sent%20me.html
Oh, Jimminie, Christina! I've been pulling for A.R. I had hoped he was on the way to recovery. He needs to sue that stupid Ben Taub Hospital BIG TIME....major idiots.
If you see Dr. LeBlanc and/or Mary, please give them my best. WONDERFUL people. I'm going to check out your photos now. Thanks for your comments and the update.
Bill
Will do. I just had dinner with their grandson who is my nephew. Dr. Leblanc is so nice and his son Steve has been doing a great job. I feel bad for him b/c he to lost his house and has to deal with that while trying to run the city. Its such a mess. Dr. Leblanc is better. He feel smack down on the back of his head and split it open while he was helping his daughter at her destroyed home. They got him to a hospital in Houston and fixed him right up but we were worried about the germs and all the yucky stuff.
I have not heard about A.R. lately. i will have to ask around. He is so nice. Funny what a small world we live in but in my opinion that is why Galveston is so wonderful. Were a large yet tight community so it works well. I just hope we don't loss to many folks after this horror.