DU Friends, please pray for my family and me.

[Maddy McCall]

I am about 90 miles north of NOLA, and about 60 miles north of the Lake's north shore. Our family has decided to ride out the hurricane in my mother and father's brick home.

Katrina will remain a Category 4 hurricane well inland, all the way to Jackson, MS, which is about 90 miles north of us. We have a generator and all necessities, and we have an artesian well on our property, so we will have all the water we can use...in other words, we are prepared to lose power and to go without for a month after, if we have to.

What we are not emotionally, mentally prepared for is riding out the hurricane. Will you please send good thoughts, say a few prayers, for my family and me, that we make it through safely?

I know it's selfish just to log on with this request and then log off. I will try to log on again later.

:hug:

[Midlodemocrat]

1. Godspeed, Maddy.

Stay safe.

Please let us know how you are doing.

:hug:

[roguevalley]

101. God bless you and everyone else, honey. hang in there. Take care.

[auntAgonist]

2. You , your family and those around you are in my thoughts..

sending good wishes and prayers your way Maddy!

:hug:

[babylonsister]

3. You've got it, Maddy. I'll be thinking about you and

your family, and hope to see you logging on soon. :hug:

[coffeenap]

4. We will be thinking of you--please let us know how you are

and if you need help after it is over.

[billyskank]

5. You got it!

[soleft]

6. Good luck!

[progmom]

7. Maddy, I am adding you to my list.

:hug:

If there is anything at all you can think of that I can do for you besides praying, you let me know, ok?

xoxo
j

[Misunderestimator]

8. Sending you all my best thoughts and energy...

for protection for you and your family. :hug: :loveya:

[Karenina]

9. Good vibes comin' your way!!!

:hug:

[cornermouse]

Be safe.

[nytemare]

10. Well wishes from Florida, Maddy.

Got hit by 3 last year, so my heart goes out to you. Maybe you will get the left side, which isn't as bad as the right side of the storm.

:hug:

[ncrainbowgrrl]

11. Best to you and your family.

:hug: I wish you every last bit of strength that you'll need to get through the next days/weeks. Take care.

If you get a chance, log back on later- I'm sure you'll have a lot of DUers thinking about you, and wanting to let you know how much they care.

[Pithy Cherub]

12. Prayers and Peace for and unto you Maddy!

Please Know that you and yours and the Gulf Coast are in our Thoughts and heartfelt Prayers!:grouphug:

[bicentennial_baby]

13. I was just thinking of you!

:hug: We'll all be here, sending out the good energy. :hug:

[CottonBear]

14. Be safe and take care. I'm thinking of you and my relatives in LA and MS.

My in-laws live in Lacombe, LA and Pearl River, Mississippi. I am going to call them now. My husband's nephew-in law lives in New Orleans and many of his cousins and friends live in Metarie and New Orleans.

I'll pray for everyone down there. God be with you all. :hug:

[fortyfeetunder]

15. Hang in there.

Hope the storm is not as devastating as predicted
:hug:

[mike_c]

16. best wishes, Maddy....

Ya'll be safe! As long as you're on high ground you should be fine.

[stepnw1f]

17. My Prayers and Wishes are with You, Maddy

:grouphug:

[MADem]

18. Is it a two story house?

Take anything you really care about and stick it in the bathtub on the second floor, then put a tarp over it. Seems like even if the first floor gets flooded and the roof blows off, the bathrooms always stay intact--all that tile and piping acts as supports, I suppose.

If not, and you have a few spare cinder blocks lying about, get them ready in case you get first floor flooding--you can stack the blocks and put the furniture atop them.

Also, fill up a big old trash can with water now, in the event that you lose water, you can grab a pot and use that for flushing.

I assume you have all the other junk you need--food, flashlights, potable water and so on.

Good luck!!!

[Tikki]

71. Please be careful for it may flood....

...the rain water bursts can come quickly one after another and rise fast. I like all the ideas above.
Sweetie...we are all with ya.



The Tikkis

[jackster]

19. be safe....

our prayers and positive energy is with you....

[juajen]

20. I will be praying for everybody in harm's way

God bless you all. BTW, as we speak, my daughter and her SO are on I-10 in NO trying to get to Lafayette. We are frightened they will not make it. The mandatory evaluation was too late. They thought they had time, even though we urged them to leave yesterday. Everybody, pray for them too.

[juajen]

21. Just heard from my daughter

They have left I-10 and are on Highway 90 heading to Houma. Anybody in Houma that might know about conditions there, please post. I am terribly worried, but they could get nowhere on I-10.

[Mikimouse]

22. You certainly have my prayers and best wishes...

I would also ask that you send positive vibes to my not yet, but soon to be former spouse in Lafayette.

[merh]

23. Hang in there Maddy

You guys will be okay. Sending you prayers and good vibes - I'll see you on the other side of the storm, just hold tight and keep the faith.

:hug: :loveya: :hug: :loveya:

[southlandshari]

115. And you too, silly goose! Would you just get over here, already!

Mehr - please. Get out of there. Please - if you don't have anywhere else to go, drive on up this way. Check your PM/email for numbers....

[Burma Jones]

24. Of Course

You and all the other brethren (and sisteren or is it cistern?) we have down in Dixie......

It will be intense, but will also be one of those things that really lets you know you're alive, I sort of envy you, I was living outside of NO for Camille (it was my 10th birthday in fact) and remember that night vividly, even though we did not bear the brunt of the storm.

[Daphne08]

25. It isn't selfish and

we'll definitely be praying for you and your family.

:pals:

[Akoto]

26. My thoughts are with you. Advice ...

Assuming your house is secured, you should be getting prepared to ride out the storm. This is an experience I have been through several times and it can be very nerve-wracking.

You should prepare a central room in the house away from windows. Put in blankets, snacks, water, a battery-operated radio, important documents and medical supplies. Also bring a deck of cards and any games you have. That might sound crazy, but it'll keep you sane through the night if you don't focus on what's going on outside.

[Allenberg]

27. Godspeed.

With brick and wells...I'm sure you'll be fine. Generating good karma always helps, though. :)

[Lady Effingbroke]

28. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

Take care, Maddy! :hug:

[blondeatlast]

29. Absolutely. Prayers going out for your safety and that of your neighbors.

For everyone in the hurricane area, I pray for your safety.

I hope we hear from you, Maddy, very soon. Take care.

[sallyseven]

39. Why can't it hit bush's ranch only.

That would be so good.

[diddlysquat]

30. Good luck with this

I used to live in NO in the 1960s and know what a hurricane is like.

[Mnemosyne]

31. My thoughts and prayers for you all Maddy! n/t

[JimmyJazz]

32. Hey there lady! I haven't stopped praying for you.

:hug: I've got you and mehr and everyone else in the path of this thing in my thoughts and prayers. Please touch base as soon as you can.

I love you, girl. Stay safe. Please.

Donna

[greatauntoftriplets]

33. Be safe, Maddy.

:hi:

[The Traveler]

34. Good luck, Maddy

and all you other people in the path of the storm. Our thoughts are with you all.

[cry baby]

35. Hope everything is going to be OK with you and your family...

you must be a little nervous, but with all of our good and positive thoughts from DU, you and fam should be OK. I hope you can get back on soon and tell us that you're OK, otherwise we will be worried.

Hunker-down!!!

[cal04]

36. My prayers and thoughts are with

you, your family and everyone there.
:hug:

[SarahB]

37. I've never experienced a major hurricane.

Where I am we only get some residual rain, but I hope everything turns out ok for all of you. You will be in my thoughts. :hug:

[Flaxbee]

38. my best wishes to you, your family and everyone in

the area!

If/when you can, if you can't log on, let another DUer know you're OK so we know what's going on with you!

[readermostly]

40. Good luck, Maddy, to you and your family. I am sending positive

thoughts and wishes your way.

[eyepaddle]

41. Holy Smoke! This is terribly frigthening

I lived in Lafayette for a couple of years, and I had (or got) to travel to New Orleans and just about the whole Louisiana coast--from Venice to Intracoastal city.

Good luck, I'm thinking about you all, and I'll be here to do whatever I can when the rain finally stops.
:hug:

[dajoki]

42. our family's prayers are with you and your family...

God bless you and your's and everybody in the path. stay safe and check this thread, it may help http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=105x3929565

[knowbody0]

43. stay safe MaddyMcCall and family

[cally]

44. You are in my prayers

Stay safe. I understand sitting these out is rather traumatic. Just know that all of us are thinking of you and your family even when you are not online. :hug:

[CaliforniaPeggy]

45. My dear Maddy....

You and your whole family are in my prayers ....please stay safe and come back to us ...with all the stories and adventures you will survive......

Biggo hugs to you and yours...:grouphug: :grouphug:

[mohinoaklawnillinois]

46. Sending prayers and good vibes to you and your family, Maddy.

Stay safe and when it's possible, please let us know how you fared.

:hug: :hug:

[flamingyouth]

47. Been thinking of you this weekend.

Take care and be safe. Thinking of all our DU friends in the path of Katrina. :hug:

[qanda]

48. Praying here

Please stay safe.

[nothingshocksmeanymore]

49. Hang in there MM... you know you have my good vibes coming your way

[WannaJumpMyScooter]

50. You will be fine. As disasters go these days,

hurricanes are very over-rated. Seriously. Advance knowledge eliminates a lot of their danger.
Since you know about it, and sound as if you are prepared, you will be as safe as you normally are.
Still, you have my thoughts and prayers.

[peacebuzzard]

51. Thinking of you Maddy. You have been hit hard lately.

Looking forward to your next check-in.
Sending good thoughts to you & the family.

[Mick Knox]

52. Good luck to you

I will keep you in my thoughts.

I hope everything works out.

[Penndems]

53. Prayers for you and your family, Maddy

from a fellow Southerner in Virginia. :hug:

[Lorien]

54. Good thoughts, wishes, and prayers coming your way

Please place EVERYTHING that you can in trash bags and plastic containers. Tape the windows if you haven't already (boarding them up alone won't help with flying glass)clear out your inner most rooms for shelter, and make sure that ALL your pets are wearing ID (write on them with a Sharpie if you must).

:hug:

[Wapsie B]

55. Maddy, I was wondering where you were

and what you were doing to prepare. You and yours are in my prayers and thoughts.

:hug:

[RebelOne]

56. I can only echo what everyone else is saying

Good luck and hope you stay safe.

[deadparrot]

57. Good luck, Maddy.

Prayers and best wishes for the safety of you and your loved ones. :hug:

[Nikia]

58. I pray for you and others in the path

Good luck to you and your family.

[In_The_Wind]

59. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family Maddy!

:loveya:

[proud2BlibKansan]

60. I have been thinking about you

Let us know what happens.
:hug:

[faithnotgreed]

61. prayers for each and every one of you

who are stuck in the path
or need to/choose to stay through it

i wish i could get every one and every animal out of there
wish there was national guard there to do what they were intended

[Mad_Dem_X]

62. My thoughts are with you, Maddy. n/t

[Feron]

63. I'm riding it out as well...

I live on the northshore and I'm enjoying the computer while the electricity lasts. I'm not going to flood ,but the main concern is a tree coming in the house. In fact, I just got done taking insurance pictures.

And no, it's not selfish at all. I'm not a practicing Catholic ,but I've already unearthed my St. Benedict and St. Michael medals. I would have evacuated ,but I don't drive and none of my family wants/can leave. Fortunately the track keeps shifting East and my fingers are crossed that it stays that way. As you said, it will be a 3 or 4 strength. I rode out Andrew in the dark, so I think I can deal with that in daylight.

And yes, I'll keep you in my thoughts. :grouphug:

It just hasn't sunk in that this is happening. It is so surreal like it is a movie. Whoever said that being a part of history is fun should be bitchslapped with a belt.

[tigereye]

66. best to you all

please stay safe.

[ofrfxsk]

104. Please stay safe.

Just like Maddy's, you and yours are in my heart and thoughts. Please get back to us tomorrow so we know you are okay.

[intheflow]

113. I'll light a candle for you, Feron.

Take care of yourself. :hug:

[maddezmom]

124. keeping you and your family in my thoughts

:hug:

[enigmatic]

64. Take care of yourself Maddy

[IdaBriggs]

65. Done! Good luck, and God Bless!

"Prayer of Protection"

The Light of God surrounds you.
The Love of God enfolds you.
The Power of God protects you.
The Presence of God watches over you.
Wherever you are, God Is.
And all is well.
Thank you for this truth, oh Lord.
Amen.

[Kurovski]

67. Bless one and all. n/t

[supernova]

68. Was thinking about you this morning, Maddy

I'll keep you and your family in my thoughts.

You'll be okay as long as you have each other.... and that generator. :D

[WCGreen]

69. As soon as I heard NO....

I thought of you and your young one....

Please know my toughts are with you and my prayers go out to you....

[Dastard Stepchild]

70. Be well....

My thoughts are with all the people in the region right now.

[ezekiel333]

72. My thoughts and prayers are with you! n/t

[DawgHouse]

73. We rode out Charley

and that was my first experience with a hurricane. It's scary but you will make it through. Godspeed!

[Lydia Leftcoast]

74. Prayers for your safety!

It can be exciting to ride out a hurricane.


O8)

[havocmom]

75. you & yours are in our prayers

Please check in when you can.

[LynzM]

76. You and your family will stay in my thoughts

Stay safe, be as careful as you can, and hopefully we will all talk to you again soon. Love and good wishes to you and yours. :hug:

[GOPisEvil]

77. I hope you and your family stay safe.

Take care. :hug:

[I Have A Dream]

78. I ask that the Universe keep you and your family safe and...

that your homes are unaffected by the hurricane. (This or something better for the highest good of all involved.)

You do so much good in the world; you deserve to be protected in your time of need.

[liberaltrucker]

79. Tried to get you on Yahoo IM

You OK??? You and yours have my prayers. Please DU pm or Yahoo IM when you can. Love from my family to yours...Ron.

[vickitulsa]

80. Nothing selfish about it, Maddy!

We all want to know how fellow DUers are faring through this storm, and even if you can't check in often, or have to be out of touch due to power outage for an extended period, we still want to pray for you and your family!

Sounds like you have pretty good provisions, especially the water supply, that's great. Please do check in when you can to let us know you made it through. We'll all be watching the news -- you know that! -- and will pay special attention to conditions in your area.

God keep you, Maddy -- and all those in the path of this killer hurricane. :hug:

Anyone else know other DUers who are in a danger zone?

~VV

____________________________________________

[crispini]

81. Sounds like you live near my family.

I have lots of folks in Amite, Franklinton, Covington. None of them would leave. I'll keep you in my prayers tonight too. :hug:

[Wcross]

82. Maddy, everyone in harms way will be in my prayers tonight.

I have a bad feeling about this storm- it seemed so insignificant before it flooded Florida and then turned into a monster. They are warning us in Tennessee of flooding and tornados come Tuesday.

Good luck to you and yours Maddy!

[jandrok]

83. Stay safe, Maddy.

:hug:

[KitchenWitch]

84. I am thinking positive thoughts for you Maddy

:hug:

[Blue Diadem]

85. Prayers being said for you & your family and all others in the area

facing this horrible storm. May God shield you all from danger.

:hug:

[Reverend_Smitty]

86. Good luck Maddy

my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family and any other DUer in the path of the storm. Please stay safe!!!

[Wetzelbill]

87. you are in my thoughts and prayers

good luck and I know you'll be fine. :)

[FourStarDemocrat]

88. Good luck though I will worry about you all..

A category 4 is still a tremendously serious storm, perhaps you all should reconsider and go further north. Stay safe!!

[cssmall]

89. May all the prayers that I can give go your way, Maddy.

Michelle and I will pray for the best and since we're in Arkansas, give a post or get ahold of someone who can post so, if necessary, we can get a few cans of food down to you.

:hug:

[ofrfxsk]

90. My thoughts & heart are with you and your family.

You WILL get through this. Stay strong and please keep us updated.

:hugs:

[Skittles]

91. MADDY MY SWEET

I AM THINKING GOOD THOUGHTS FOR YOU

[peekaloo]

92. Good thoughts for you and family.

The constant wind is the scariest part. Don't let it panic you.

[Ilsa]

93. Hang in there. May your feet stay dry and the roof remain

well over your heads. I hope you have enough food and clean water for awhile. Many blessings to you and your family.

[Seabiscuit]

94. All good things for you and your family. You're not alone.

:grouphug:

[GOPBasher]

95. Praying for you, Maddy.

[tinfoilinfor2005]

96. Just did and will continue throughout the night and next few days

Thanks for asking! Now I have a name to attach my prayer to...

This is an old standby with a small revision and I send it to you, Maddy:

Now my friend lays down to sleep
I pray the Lord their soul to keep
And in the night if they should wake
I pray the Lord, please keep them safe.

[alarcojon]

97. Best of luck during and after the storm, Maddie

You and everyone in that building will be in our thoughts.

[Tom Kitten]

98. I will pray for you

God speed and good luck... :hug:

[GreenPartyVoter]

99. *hugs and prayers*

[arwalden]

100. Take Care Of Yourself!

:hug:

[fleabert]

102. you are on my mind tonight Maddy,

and will be until we hear more from you in the next few days... :hug: come and update when you can.

[Floogeldy]

103. You've got the power

;)

[Straight Shooter]

105. You want it, you got it.

After all, this is DU, your other family :hug:

[BlueIris]

106. Good luck to Maddy. nt.

[xmas74]

107. Good luck to you.

I have a friend who I haven't heard from in NO and a cousin who thinks that they will stay there. I'll think about you along w/ them.

[uppityperson]

108. Maddy, good luck. You've had a heck of a summer.

hurricanes, car stuff, hope all goes well.

[Olney Blue]

109. Maddy, I am thinking about you and your family.....

Please be safe.

[applegrove]

110. Trust your family pet. Especially the cats. Keep the windows open and

the second "Boots" runs into the closet & tries to lure the whole family into there with screams..that is when you should buckle down and close the windows.

And for god's sake stay away from trees. That is what kills during the hurricane. Flying debris. Deck chairs flying at 100 miles an hour can kill anyone. Don't go outside..even for a second. Even when it looks calmer. Wait until it has slowed down completely.

And the lake may be very poisonous in the next year. So don't drink anything that doesn't come out of a bottle and don't get your feet wet. If your feet are well - use antigerm handwipes all day long. Sanitation, sanitation, sanitation. There will be untold numbers of dead animals, worms, pets and bodies of the newly buried floating around in that water not to mention the loose sewage. Not event he lake will be safe.

You are too brave.

[WillyT]

111. Best Of Luck To You And Yours !!! - Don't Forget To Check Back In, Or...

:spank:

Please stay safe.

[intheflow]

112. I'll light a candle for you.

I'll add it to my growing collection I'm lighting tonight. Take care and know we're all thinking of you. :hug:

[southlandshari]

114. Maddy - get your ass in the car

and get over to my house. NOW.

And not just because I want your help cleaning!

Check your PM and email, sweets!

[merh]

116. She won't answer her phone.

I think she forgets to turn it on. :crazy:

And you would think she would have taken the time to put a post script at the end of her OP (ps Oh, and if could include merh in your prayers, that would be nice too.) But no, she neglects me and the other MS DUers. :rofl:

Maddy McCall turn your cell phone on, please! :hug: :loveya:

[southlandshari]

119. Yeah, but what would be the use of that post script?

Neither of you will get your happy asses out of Mississippi so the rest of us can stop bloody worrying about you!!!

You've got my numbers. She does too. I trust that you are safe, as you promised. I still think both of you women would be best served by avoiding this storm and coming over to Alabama to help me clean my house (and possibly save my marraige in the process!), but hey, that's just me!

But I will join you in a raucous chorus of "HEY MADDY - TURN YOUR F-ING CELL PHONE ON!!!!"

:loveya:

[merh]

120. Hey, there are others that don't think we are stubborn. I mean

look at all the nice posts folks posted for Maddy - you would think that she might have wanted to share so of those, but nooooo, she leaves me out. :-(

TURN YOUR PHONE ON MADDY!

I promise, I am safe. :hug: I'll let you know how things go. :loveya:

[southlandshari]

121. Ok, darlin'.

I give up. My towel is thrown in. You are staying put. Maddy is in hiding. And I am left pacing a groove in the floor worrying about you two chickies. Among a hundred other friends and family in the area. Sigh. I'll look forward to hearing from you ASAP. Dammit.

And just know, you two, if you make it through - the drinks are on YOU for a long time after this!!

:hug:

[merh]

128. No way on those drinks - you are buying. You will want to

toast our emergence from the storm. Of course, Maddy may owe each of us a drink given she won't answer her phone.

:hug: No pacing for me shari - things will be fine. :loveya:

[GoddessOfGuinness]

117. Keeping you and your family in my thoughts and prayers...

Be safe...be well! :hug:

[LeftyMom]

118. Stay safe and keep us updated if you can.

:grouphug:

[political_invader]

122. godseed

godspeed and good luck my families prayers are with you and your loved ones

[maddezmom]

123. sending prayers

Be safe hon, and try to keep us updated.:hug:

[maddezmom]

130. hope to hear from you soon

still keeping you in my thoughts and prayers. :loveya:

[fujiyama]

125. Keep safe and take care

You'll be in all our thoughts.

[aaronbees]

126. Thinking good thoughts...

Always enjoy your posts here, Maddy, and wish you and your family blessings, peace and safety. You sound pretty well prepared but stay strong. :grouphug: :)

[SheWhoMustBeObeyed]

127. I have been thinking about you

I didn't see you in GD all day so I came here to see if you had posted. Hizzoner and I send you our best thoughts. Take care and be safe. :hug:

[laylah]

129. Be safe

Maddy. :hug:

[Richardo]

131. Best thoughts and prayers to you and everybody down there

Y'all be safe! :grouphug:

[myrna minx]

132. Take care and stay safe.

:hug:

[AnarchoFreeThinker]

133. Good luck, Maddy. Good thoughts coming at you and yours!

[Avalux]

134. Has anyone heard from Maddy? I hope she's OK.

Just now saw this thread....what a nightmare. :(

[ronnykmarshall]

135. We love you Maddy!

Stay safe!

:loveya:

[Bullwinkle925]

136. We'll look forward to seeing you again online safe and sound!!

[dajoki]

137. we are still praying...

for you and your family and everybody else suffering through this tragedy. let us know as soon as you are all safe and able to contact someone.

[elshiva]

138. Praying for you and your family Maddy McCall!

:hug:

[bigwillq]

139. You have my good thoughts.

I will be thinking about you and your family and all the others who are in the path of this storm.:hug:

[sundog]

140. kick for maddy

wherever you may be :hug:

:grouphug:

[terrya]

141. Thinking good thoughts, Maddy.

And praying that you and your family make it out ok.

:hug:

Terry

[antigone382]

142. I was just thinking about Maddy and came to the Lounge to check

Has anyone heard from her?

:kick:

On edit: this is buddyhollysghost. My daughter is logged in....sorry

[Barad Simith]

143. Still hoping and praying

Let's keep this kicked until Maddy returns safely.

[rbnyc]

146. Good Idea.

I hope that Maddy and her family just don't have access to the internet now. How could we expect them to? And that Maddy will return soon to see all of these posts.

They are all in my thoughts and prayers.

:hi:

[Barad Simith]

150. kick for Friday 9/2 morning

[Stockholm]

144. Keep safe Maddy! n/t

[RFKHumphreyObama]

145. You and all the others involved in this awful event

Have always had my thoughts, prayers, best wishes and positive vibes extended to you. Please, please, please, keep safe and well. My best wishes, thoughts, and prayers once again to anyone directly in the path of this disaster or who has family, friends and colleagues in the area:hug:

[Misunderestimator]

147. From this note it appears she was in her parents' home when she wrote it.

So, thanks for kicking this, I couldn't recall if she wrote this prior to going there or from there.

Keeping you in my thoughts Maddy! :hug: And hoping you can get to a phone and call one of us to let us know you're ok.

[In_The_Wind]

148. *happy sigh*

thanks !

[no name no slogan]

149. kick for Maddy

sending good thoughts and prayers for you and all our other DU friends and family.

:kick:

:hug:

[Sugar Smack]

151. Be safe, Maddy.

Please be safe.

[rbnyc]

152. Still thinking of you and others...

I hope you are safe.

[Cathyclysmic]

153. We are thinking about you...

please be safe

[mvd]

154. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers

Hope you stay safe. :hug:

[Radio_Lady]

155. HAS ANYONE HEARD FROM MADDY MC CALL since Aug 28?

[rbnyc]

156. Maddy is OK!

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=105&topic_id=3951168&mesg_id=3951168

EDIT: So to speak. It's really horrific.