I have mixed feelings now. I want to do what's right; yet I feel pulled by the demands of my family, my job. I want to remain here.
The local response team has gotten in contact with me, asking me to go down to the Gulf Coast region of Texas (the Galveston area), which was heavily damaged by the full brunt force of what was once Hurricane Ike when it made landfall early this morning.
The power is out in most of the city, and the effects of the former hurricane were felt as far north as Palestine, Texas, with high winds in excess of 75 miles an hour, torrential rains, and a threat of tornadoes on the storm's northeast side (the "dirty side"). There's reports of devastation and damage throughout Galveston and the surrounding area; it's going to take weeks, months, even years, to get everything back to where it once was.
There is a need for medical personnel, to help out with storm victims, casualties.
At the insistance of the disaster response team, I have no choice but to go down there to help out in any way I can. As a nurse, I feel compelled to help those who are sick, hurting, possibly dying, give them the comfort, help, and support they can need at such a devastating time.
I went down to Biloxi, Mississippi, to help out after Katrina; compared to that, this wasn't nothing (although my mind's eye tells me differently: after seeing all the news reports on CNN and elsewhere, I am not so sure).
My family has been informed of my leaving. I am sure they are upset, scared by the news. They are sure something is going to happen to me. I tell them that I will be okay; I will keep them in my thoughts while I'm helping out with relief efforts; I feel this is the right thing for me to do, so I must go.
I will be flying to Dallas/Fort Worth in the morning, then take a bus from there to the coast, as far down there I can get. Once in Galveston, I will aid the sick, dying, and injured. There's no telling how long I will actually be there, but I plan on being there at least a week or so. It is going to be extremely difficult; with God's help, I will make it through this period in my life.
In the end, I will be helping people get over their sickness or illness or offering comfort during their last days; I also can administer the medical care they need, assist doctors with treatment protocol, and try to offer emotional support. People going through disasters like hurricanes or tornadoes are vulnerable; they need all the help they can possibly get!
Well, I need to be at the airport by four in the morning (flight leaves at six, six fifteen), so I'm out of here. I will write once in Galveston or when I return; I will let you know how it goes. Just keep me in your prayers; this is giong to be a most stressful time for me and those going to help! I would appreciate all the prayers we can get! Thank you, and God bless!
~Love, your friend, Louie May. :(
