Day 15

I can't believe it's been two weeks since the storm. In some ways it seems like an eternity. Hard to remember what life was like before the storm. Work has slowed down somewhat. I've gone from frantic to something a little less than that. At least now I've got the presence of mind to remember what I've left undone.

Hubby had the night off last night. First one since the storm. He's so tired and feels lousy. He's working more and more all the time. I don't think he can do this much longer.

I don't get to see the kids much at all these days. When I do see them, they are either needing help with homework or asking what's for dinner (even before lunchtime). I worked 14 hour days on Saturday and Sunday. When I came home, no one had eaten since breakfast and the house was a total wreck. No homework had been done. The dog had crapped all over the house. They all wanted to go somewhere, but you know, I'm not going to do it. If they want something, they've got to give me something. I've got to remember to get $120 for R & H school fees. I've already paid about $200. How do poor families do it?

When I get to work in the morning, about 400 people will be lined up outside of the front door. The grapevine is alive and well. We've done no publicity on our services, but somehow people have found out. A caseworker quit today. After one day. She said she didn't like how we were giving assistance so she was quitting. Screw her. I understand her frustration; but how dare she make that assumption that we have all the answers. She certain doesn't. We've been in this disaster since day one. Sure our system is not perfect. No one claims it to be.

Just a little secret--everyone giving aid is making up the rules as we go along. Our previous experience is of little help with the tremendous need out there.

Talking with lots of national and international press. That's really kinda cool, but they are driving me crazy. I'm giving most of my attention to local press. They are going to be in Baton Rouge much longer. Channel 9 has been great.

The news of the St. Bernard nursing home find hit the AP. I had heard there were 100 bodies there.

I've made a lot of good friends. I've got a couple in Pennsylvania coming down for Mardi Gras. Can't wait. I love to take a couple of weeks off next summer and go see them and friends I've made from Boston. What fun!

Gotta go. Much more to write but I'm tired.

Oh, by the way, Bush is a fool.