TEARS OF JOY!!!

I got the most marvelous phone call this morning from from the Hodes and Harvills in Waveland, MS!!! My dearest friends (more like my coastal family) called me to check in! All are okay! Roberta aka Bobbie, lives on Longo Street in Waveland. They have power,no water and no phone service. Very LITTLE damage to their house and NO water in it!!! Ronnie lost EVERYTHING in his house, but Robin and the kids are safe in Laurel at Robin's brother's house. Ronnie works for Coast Electric and they lost lots of trucks, but lots of power companies are working with them and helping them out. Jack lost his home, car, and everything. STill has his job at Stennis and has no insurance either. But he is safe. Ralph is safe in Ocean Springs. They mentioned several other folks I knew who are okay. (Bobbie, Ronnie, Jack and Ralph are all brothers and sister - They are the Hodes. Bobbie tho is married and her last name is Harvill. I lived in BSL/Waveland in the early eighties and these folks became my family.) Ronnie's cell phone is working almost all the time now and they all had heard I was looking for them so they called from Ronnie's phone. Bobbie mentioned that there is a GREAT need for old cars and bicycles (both in working order) so that they can get around. She said (and I agree) that this has not been published. I have put an ad on BrandonFreeCycle asking for bike donations. If you have one you'd like to donate or if you'd like to purchase one to send, I plan to go to Waveland one day next week - the earlier the better and deliver some to the Harvill's and Hode's and then to the distribution point in the shopping center at Waveland. Lemme know and we will figure out how to pick them up from you! Love and kisses to all Arlies PS the Queen feels so much better after having talked to her Coastal family even tho she already knew they were okay - there is something to be said for actually hearing their voices......

Isn't it such a release of emotions?! I'm glad you found your friends and that they are all safe. I don't have any bikes or cars, but I will mention it at church. Maybe someone will have some stuff. Hopin' I can help! HUGS Kimberly

I am so happy for you!!!! I wish that I could help just a little! You might call the local police departments to see if they have stolen bikes. They used to keep them and then auction them off if not claimed. They might load them up and take them to the coast! Just an idea!!!!!!!!!!!! Love, Cheryl

I never even thought about bikes, we have many neighbors that came and salvaged some things and left their bikes and things. We can call them and ask them if we can donate them on their behalf. Jay's Ford Ranger that we were getting ready to sale "floated" so I guess it is a loss. But, "tomorrow will be a better day!" is what I have to keep telling myself. I am trying not to get down and out about it. We may have lost most everything, but we still have each other and we still have our wonderful caring friends and family.. That is so much more than we could ever hope for! Love you much! Rhonda