I spoke with my mother tonight... she made it to Baton Rouge!

[Swamp Rat]

It was quite an ordeal, but she is safe in the home of a samaritan in Baton Rouge. I will call her again tomorrow and get more details.

In the meantime, let me express my sincere thanks to all DUers for your love and genuine concern. My relief is ... :cry: ... no words! I don't know how to show my appreciation. :cry:

:grouphug: :loveya: :hug:

Though my life is upside-down, my material possessions gone, I am very grateful that my family is alive. I am sure there are others on this board who can relate one way or another, but let me ask y'all to please turn your attention to others who are not as fortunate as I. There are many many of our brothers and sisters suffering horrors right at this very moment, and we must help them! (((HELP!!!)))

I know there are folks here who believe New Orleans is lost forever, but I humbly ask y'all to reconsider just writing off this unique city as "lost to nature." Even if it requires incredible feats of engineering, like creating a new, monolithic levee system, we must save New Orleans. If we do not, I believe this country will lose its soul... :cry:

I'm tired...

[laylah]

1. Yesssssssssssssssss!

I am so glad to hear your mom is safe. :hug: for all of you!

Jenn

[Solly Mack]

2. Excellent news!!!!!!!!!

((((Swamp Rat))))

[Lindsay]

3. Love right back atcha.

That's great news.

[kliljedahl]

4. I feel much better for you my brother

It's wonderful to hear such good news in the midst of all this tragedy.

[NJCher]

5. can't imagine the relief

Wow, Swamp Rat, this is wonderful news.




Cher

[murielm99]

6. That is wonderful news.

But I am so sad and angry for your city. We have not done enough.

What can I do? I want to do something. I don't know how.

[Is It Fascism Yet]

7. Thank goodness! Congrats! N/T

[hwmnbn]

8. woohoo!!!!!!!!......

SR, I can't tell you how relieved I am to hear this.

[benburch]

9. I am SO glad she is OK! nt

[LeftyMom]

10. I'm glad your Mom's alright

I was worried for you. :hug:

[Benbow]

11. One candle in the darkness - thank you Swamp Rat n/t

[MissHoneychurch]

12. happy to hear you and your family are safe

:hug:

[expatriate]

13. Swamp Rat, I am so very glad!

What a relief for you. Now, get some much deserved sleep!

[tedoll78]

14. I'm so happy for you!

I cry tears of happiness for you. New Orleans will be back!

[freeplessinseattle]

15. That is wonderful news!!! You must be overjoyed! n/t

[Hissyspit]

16. Great late night news!

Best to you and your family. I knew a family in Hammond through one of my students and I haven't been able to get up with them to see how they are doing. Haven't talked to them in a couple of years. The father is in a wheelchair. I will just have to keep calling.

My father has a friend who lives on a canal in Slidell. He evacuated but I'm sure his house is gone. Slidell looks wiped out.

[I_Make_Mistakes]

17. I am so glad I badgered him into posting this

He is wiped! Can someone thoughtfully get a front page for check ins of Du'ers still missing people!

He said there is a long, eye witness account (his mom) behind this story!! We are going to get an earful tomorrow!

But for now, a collective sigh of relief!

And, please kick for all the concerned coming on-line soon.

[kliljedahl]

24. My wife's family, all her relatives still haven't made contact

Re the missing people, there is this at WWL TV; http://www.wwltv.com/forums/viewforum.php?f=16&sid=28245b14c7727df3df4bd2e188d4f473

[mom cat]

66. May they find safety. I am so sorry for your agony.

:grouphug: ... keep us posted.

[aquart]

18. Nobody is destroying New Orleans before I eat there. Nobody.

Tell me more about this monolithic levee.

[tedoll78]

21. I don't know about the levee, but..

I heard a nice report about one French Quarter restaurant that was serving food yesterday.. red beans & rice, gumbo, etc. Something tells me that you'll get your chance to eat there. Enjoy those beignets! :hi:

[aquart]

27. I have never had a beignet. Not one.

RESTORE THAT CITY!

SAVE THE CHEFS!

[tedoll78]

29. Oh my god.

They're orgasmic!

I love waking up in the French Quarter in the morning and walking down to Cafe du Monde for beignets.. or staying up all night and then stumbling for a plate of those delights..

Mornings in the Quarter are something special. When it's still relatively quiet, and the liquor trucks are making their deliveries, and the locals are out walking their pets.

Dammit.. starting to cry again..

New Orleans will be back!

[WarNoMore]

19. That's wonderful to hear

So happy you found her

[artemisia1]

20. Thank goodness. I am happy for you.

I understand what you're saying about NO, and there will be a city there again, of this I am sure. It cannot, however, be the same city with large numbers living in such a vulnerable state. Besides just re-building structures, a new levee and flood protection infrastructure will have to be built. Don't despair for your city though - as DU members know, money and economics drives so much in the U.S. and world - and the NO Port is too strategic to abandon and it is too large not to have a city built around it.

God bless you and your family. I have never met you but I was praying for you and the safety of your mother.

[Lochloosa]

22. Congrats Swamp Rat...

And if there is anything...anything I can help you with...PM me
Really

[malta blue]

23. So glad to hear you mom is safe! n/t

[Hubert Flottz]

25. That's great Rat!

I just found out yesterday that some friends of mine, from just north of NO, made it out okay.

[tsuki]

26. I am so happy for you. And NOLA is not lost forever. I will never

believe that.

[Raksha]

28. Wonderful news, Swamp Rat!

I've never posted to you before, but I've been following your ordeal, and I've been praying for you along with many others on DU.

Re >>Even if it requires incredible feats of engineering, like creating a new, monolithic levee system, we must save New Orleans. If we do not, I believe this country will lose its soul...<<

My daughter has been to New Orleans at least twice and loves it (she's now in San Francisco). I know she'd agree with you.

[liberalitch]

30. Praise buddha!!!!!

[Richard Steele]

31. Great news!!! The best!

I'm really happy to hear that, Swamp Rat!

Lord knows there's not a lot of good news lately;
I'm glad some of it was yours!
:party: :party: :party: :party: :party:

[spooky3]

32. Positive vibes to you and your family and all people and animals in need.

[bklyncowgirl]

33. I'm so glad to hear that she's safe.

And like you I believe that your city will rise again.

[Binka]

34. Tears Of Joy Sugar

I've been thinking about you so hard these past days. :loveya:

[Prism]

35. Excellent

I'm so relieved for you, guy. You've been in my thoughts.:hug:

And believe you me, come next Mardi Gras, I'll be right there with my tourist dollars to help with the rebuilding. :party:

[Lone_Star_Dem]

36. I'm so relieved and happy for you!

This was wonderful news to wake up to!

:)

Never fear, I'll not be writing off NO. It's always been one of my favorite places in the US. :loveya:

[SalmonChantedEvening]

37. Great news Your Swampness!!

So glad that your mom is safe n sound, bless that samaritan's heart. I hope that you're snoring as I type this, and that you get a ton of rest.

:loveya: heaps back my friend. :D

Count N'awlins out? Never! ;)

:hug:

[B Calm]

38. Great news! My sister-in-law's sister is still in NO at the Children's

Hospital where she is a nurse.

[DoYouEverWonder]

39. Glad to her you're mom is okay

Hang in there. We can all get through this if we stick together and when it's over the next time I'm in NO, I'll buy you a Hurricane.

[Judi Lynn]

40. Such good news. It didn't look good for a while, did it? Thanks. Rest. n/t

[moc]

41. Wonderful news!

[Mikimouse]

42. Out of the desolation, a small voice of hope...

I am so glad that your mother is OK. I hope that, in the next few days, we will hear from others that are as yet silent. :grouphug:

[Karenina]

43. WOOOOHOOOOO!!!!

I KNEW she was OK!!! I just KNEW IT! WOOOOOO-HOOOOOO!!! It's HAPPY DANCE time!!!! :woohoo::woohoo::woohoo::woohoo::woohoo::woohoo:
:hug:

[DistressedAmerican]

44. FUCKING GREAT NEWS!!!

Oh man I am so pleased to hear that! Really great!

At times like these material possessions seem so very transient when compared to the human toll.

I think you really do have a guardian angel!




My Latest Plea That Bush Act Like A President:

[I_Make_Mistakes]

45. and SR Bush actually said they will build NO

What can be rebuilt, but, at least there will be a NO to go back to.

[mohinoaklawnillinois]

46. Great news, Swamp Rat.

:hug: to you and your family.

Not to worry, New Orleans will be back no matter what, of that I have no doubt.

[Borgnine]

47. Strike one against the alien lizards!

I'm relieved to hear she made it out, Swamp Rat.

[flygal]

48. Exactly! NOLA will be great again!

So glad to hear about your mom - I was following your story here.
I lived there for two years and met so many people I'm thinking about right now who I KNOW will back rebuilding. Making it so great again.

[meganmonkey]

49. I'm so happy for you

How intense and scary this must be for you all down there.

I'm glad you got some good news.

:cry: <--happy tears for a change

[PA Democrat]

50. Oh Swamp Rat, I am so relieved for you!

And you express the best of what makes me PROUD to be a liberal. In spite of your own losses, you urge others to reach out to the less fortunate.

Get some well-deserved sleep. And let us know what we can do to help.

:hug:

[laruemtt]

51. so happy to hear your news is good

:bounce:

[BikeWriter]

52. Finally, some good news! :-)

[OhioChick]

53. Glad to hear that you and yours are safe! n/t

[ET Awful]

54. Glad to hear it Swampy.

:woohoo:

I'm happy she's safe.

[justabob]

55. That is great news

I am so glad for you. I understand how wrenching the last few days have been for you; I am glad you get some relief knowing she is safe.

[G_j]

56. great news!!

thanks for sharing this

[Midlodemocrat]

57. Swamp Rat.

That is the best news I have heard all week.

I am crying now.

:hug:

[soup]

64. and this time, it feels good.

So glad for you and your family, Swamp Rat.

[stevedeshazer]

58. So glad to hear it!

Good news.

[Synnical]

59. I'm so glad for you

Thanks for letting us know.

-Cindy in Fort Lauderdale

[ultraist]

60. HOORAY!!!

:bounce: That is such good news, SwampRat! :hug:

Please don't hesitate to let us know if there is anything we can do to help you get settled back in.

Keep your chin up.

[crispini]

61. Yay! good news!!

I am so glad.

[mom cat]

62. Hugs and tears of joy! Tell "mom" we think she raised one fine man!

[Crunchy Frog]

63. Oh thank God!

:hug:

[theHandpuppet]

65. FANtastic!!!

Let us know if there's anything at all we can do to help!

[babylonsister]

67. AWWWW, Swamp Rat!

I'm so very happy you heard from her!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! All else pales in comparison to knowing she's okay-stuff can be replaced, moms cannot. :hug:

[Tsiyu]

68. Halleluiah!

Relief, relief, relief!

Hope you can finally sleep a little.

:hi:

[Stephanie]

69. So happy to hear the good news, Swamp Rat!

:loveya:

[frictionlessO]

70. Love ya to Swampy....

Some of the best news we've heard in a few days. Make sure you tell Swamp Mom how so many of us are relieved.

I hope your dreams are oh so very sweet and calming, you deserve that.

[txindy]

71. That's great news, Swamp Rat!

I'm so happy your mom is safe. :hug: And you're right, it's far too early to write anything off.

Take care. Rest. You've earned it. :hug:

[brook]

72. So relieved to hear this.

NO will rise again - and we'll be walking alongside you to help.

:hug:

[understandinglife]

73. Wonderful news!!!

Thank you for letting us all know.

And, we must learn from re-building New Orleans, and from helping the Iraqi citizens how to re-build what we destroyed (after removing all our military and others), the exquisite value to our collective ethic and culture of making the sacrifices and expending the creative and monetary capital to restore, preserve and nurture.

It is time the consumerist American transform to the preservationist and conservationist American. Let us leave more value and more renewable resources than was here when we arrived, and let us make that the motto for all future generations of Americans.


Peace.

[SmokingJacket]

74. Wonderful news!!!!

:toast: :hug: :hug: :hug:

[Tesla]

75. I am so glad you and your family are safe.

You are a bright light around here!!!

[annabanana]

76. hooray Swampy.. that is good news

get some sleep dear

[mogster]

77. Glad to hear that, friend :-)

Sleep tight now ;-)

I think New Orleans will be rebuilt, and hopefully the rebuilding will present new technology to protect areas like this from heavy weather.

Yay! This is a sunny story in the midst of the tragedy :-)

[Libby2]

78. That's great !!!! Wonderful news !!!!

I'm so glad to hear that, and I do agree, we have to rebuild.

[Eurobabe]

79. Unbelievable, good news!

We have a nice dry house in Cincinnati if you know someone who needs a place to regroup. Email me at DU. 48%ers really want to help.

[peacebuzzard]

80. Gracas a Deus!!!!

Que Bom !!!!!

Thank God!!!

[lumberingbear]

81. Best news I've heard all day!!!

I'm so happy for you Swamp Rat!!!;-)

[bear425]

82. Great news! I wholeheartedly agree that New Orleans must

be restored to her usual self. She is indeed the soul of the country.

:hug: for you

[Alamom]

83. So happy to hear the news. n/t

[im10ashus]

84. Bless your hearts for being so brave.

It's so sad to see the utter devastation, but NO will rise again. Much love your way Swamp Rat.

:hug:

[OmmmSweetOmmm]

85. ((((((Swamp Rat and Swamp Rat's Mom))))))) I am so happy for the both

of you!!!! Blessings, Ommm
:hug:

[earth mom]

86. Yippee! So very glad to hear that! :)

[WhoDoYouTrust]

87. Thank goodness!

Wonderful, wonderful news!!

:hug:

[qanda]

88. That is wonderful news

I have been so concerned about you and your family. I'm glad that your mom is safe. I know that you have lost a lot and you still have anguish in your heart, but you will go on and I pray that your city can be rebuilt. (((Swamp Rat)))

[wildeyed]

89. Oh thank god.

So glad you and your mom are safe. :hug:

[Lydia Leftcoast]

90. WHEW!

I'm so glad to hear that! :bounce:

[oasis]

91. Good news. (nt)

[Tinoire]

92. I am SO happy to hear this!

You have your mom safe and sound. What a blessing! :hug:

:loveya:

[roguevalley]

93. God bless you and your family, honey. I am so glad for you.

[peekaloo]

94. Bless you Swamp Rat! Great news.

:hug:

[Generic Other]

95. So happy to hear this news!

One bright spot in an awful week!

:hug:

[nonconformist]

96. I'm so happy to hear this!!! nt

[bloom]

97. That is wonderful!

:applause:

[fudge stripe cookays]

98. Oh SWAMP RAT!

I'm so happy your mom made it out OK. This is wonderful news.

Peace to you, brother. You can try to relax a little now. DUers got yer back.

Give your mom our love and let her know we're all glad she made it out safely!

FSC

[starroute]

99. Wonderful!

Yes, there are others still suffering, but every little victory for life is one in the plus column.

I'm so glad that your motehr is safe.

[H2O Man]

100. Take care of yourself

and keep in touch. Stay strong.

[Justpat]

101. That's great news, Swamp Rat.

I'm glad to hear it.

[Ripley]

102. So glad you and your Mother are okay!

And you are damned right about "writing off the city" as so many here have been doing. NO WAY. If they have to add concrete mix to the flood waters and rebuild on top of that. They should do it. Rest, friend.

[Pithy Cherub]

103. You are loved back Swamp Rat!

Acts of any kindness are extremely precious right now - now is the time to really be present and show the Best of humankind.

I*heart* Swamp Rat. Glad you and yours are ok!

[CrispyQ]

104. This is wonderful news!

I'm so glad you & she are safe!


Hugs to all the good Samaritans out there helping in anyway they can.

[tx_dem41]

105. Great Swamp Rat....

That's the most wonderful news I've heard today. We located my mother-in-law and sister-in-law yesterday. They were in BR, going to Alexandria.

[Swamp Rat]

126. Thank god!

I still have friends and my dogs in New Orleans... :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry:

[GreenPartyVoter]

106. Phew! Hooray for SwampRat's mama!

[DistressedAmerican]

107. You Are So Very Welcome Kicker

[spuddonna]

108. Thank heavens...

Thank you for letting us know...

[lildreamer316]

109. Bless you and yours.

I am crying right now for relief.really. Get some rest.......and come join us again for the fight brother.

[seabeyond]

110. oh i am so glad to hear this. thank you for letting us know

just have been thinking of you and mom. yea yea yea

[sundog]

111. i am happy to hear this

:hi:

[proud patriot]

112. Oh thank goodness

:hug:

[Catherine Vincent]

113. That is good to hear.

:loveya:

[me b zola]

114. I am so very happy to hear that your mom is ok!!!!!!!!

I'm sitting here in tears!!!!!!!

I'm also in tears for all of those who are still in NO. I am heartbroken. :cry:

I will fight side by side with you to ensure that the wonderful City of New Orleans is rebuilt.


:grouphug: :loveya:

[texanwitch]

115. Great news Swamp Rat, I have been thinking of you everyday.

So glad to hear your Mother is OK.

:grouphug: :hug:

New Orleans will raise again.

[zippy890]

116. Wonderful news swampy

and Love back at you:)

[Kurovski]

117. Get your rest, and thank you for the beautiful digital card.

We love you.

[samsingh]

118. bless you and best wishes.

[Individualist]

119. Glad to hear the good news, Swamp Rat

Viva New Orleans! :)

[Ilsa]

120. That's great news! Glad she made it okay. eom

[SeattleGirl]

121. I'm so happy to know your Mom is all right!

:loveya: :hug:

[greekspeak]

122. You must be so relieved SR

Thinking of you in Tallahassee!!

:hug:

[BrklynLiberal]

123. Thank goodness!!!!!!!!!

So glad to hear that news!!!!! Such a relief, I'm sure.:grouphug:


Saw Harry Connick Jr say pretty much what you said about NO. It may be down, but it will never be out. It is the PEOPLE that live there that make it the great city that it is!! They will be back and make it great again.

[KamaAina]

124. Oh yeah chere!

:bounce: And may the tens of thousands of others have made it out to B.R. or Houston or wherever, too!

Even if it requires incredible feats of engineering, like creating a new, monolithic levee system, we must save New Orleans. If we do not, I believe this country will lose its soul...

Fellow ex-Carrolltonian Wynton Marsalis (grew up on Hickory St.) made a similar comment about the country's soul last night on Nightline. Silly me, I thought we had already lost our soul on 12/12/2000. Now I know better... :(

[Nikki Stone 1]

125. That is wonderful news!

!!!!!!

There are some great people out there

[Stephanie]

127. and her SO is out too? they're both okay?

what a nightmare. TG for the good ending.

[katinmn]

128. yay!!

I was away from the computer all day but came back and searched and found this wonderful thread. I am so glad.

I bet you had your first good rest in days.

I am so happy for you!:pals:

And of course I believe New Orleans will live on....

[Media_Lies_Daily]

129. Excellent! Excellent! Excellent! :-)

[nothingshocksmeanymore]

130. Now that is the best news I've heard all day.

I am so happy your mother is safe. :hug: :loveya:

[bleever]

131. SR: tears of joy for you. So glad to hear she's okay.

:hug:

[Kerrytravelers]

132. Wonderful news! I am so happy!

Give your Mom a huge hug (along with millions of your own hugs) from the DUers when you see her!

[madrchsod]

133. i was just thinking about you

glad to hear your mom`s ok....