I cried and cried tonight as I watched the coverage from New Orleans (or 'Nawlins as my friend Rebecca calls her home). There were dead babies and elderly people in the street. How can this be happening in America-- a mere 5 hours or so from where I sit now, typing on my lap top, watching my flat screen TV, wrapped in blankets on the couch with my hubby and puppies?
I have learned that my initial judgement was wrong and un-called for. Yes, there were some idiots who didn't leave-- like several friends and family members of my good friend Rebecca (she doesn't know if they are alive)-- but many others had no vehicle and lacked the money to go anywhere else. They prayed for a miracle that did not come and now they have no food or water. How can this be? Tonight I felt like my heart was breaking watching these people cry for their homes and loved ones.
I want to help, but what can I do? I sent money to the ASPCA to help the animals and James and I are deciding which relief organization we feel will give the most to the people. James is skeptical about the Red Cross because much of the donations given for 9/11 were kept for "later" and never used for the people in which they were given. Any suggestions?
I would donate blood if I could, but pregnant women are ineligible. I have a rare blood type (o negative) and I am a universal donor, but I can't give any. Actually, this reminds me of something I haven't yet mentioned. Because of my blood type, I have a problem with the Rh factor. If/when my blood mixes with the baby's during labor, it can cause major problems with my next pregnancy, as my body will develop antibodies after it mixes and attack the blood of my next baby. My mom is 0 neg, but I inherited it, so it was never a problem, but the doctor thinks based on James's blood type, it is unlikely our baby will have my blood type, but if it does, we are ok. I have to get Rhogam shots in my hip to prevent any problems. Also, I carry a little card in my wallet that says in case of serious injury, I am pregnant and I need Rhogam for the Rh factor problem.
Anyway, I wish I could donate more than just my money. I'd open up my home if I could. There are about 150 refugees from New Orleans here in a local church, so I may find out if I can help buy bringing food or supplies. I heard they need diapers and clothing.
I am starting to cry again thinking about all this. I heard on the news that some pregnant women have given birth in the streets. My prayers are with them.
Posted by Hannah at September 1, 2005 09:15 PMThe picture you paint is even worse than the one that had me in tears last night on TV. How very very sad. Don't you just wish you could get in your car and go down and pull some people out? It is so heartbreaking all these people not being able to get OUT. And so very scary.
Side note, about the Rhogam shots - I had them both with my first and it was no problem. My second I don't think I had to worry about because of my hubby's blood type as you said, and he was the "safe" blood type so it was fine.
Posted by: Pink Sun Drops at September 2, 2005 12:38 AMIt's truly horrific.
Posted by: Rachel at September 2, 2005 08:49 AMdon't let the news get to you, you need to keep a good mood for your baby, i don't know how else to say this. i understand what you feel, i am one who absorbs negative energies so i try not to watch the news as much as possible. our only option is to pray for these people. help with what you have, that's all we are asked of.
Posted by: stef at September 2, 2005 11:57 AMhere are some organizations that you can give to: http://www.cnn.com/SPECIALS/2005/katrina/help.center/
Posted by: stef at September 2, 2005 11:59 AMIt is a trajedy.
Posted by: Ani at September 2, 2005 01:17 PMI totally agree with what you say about donating, but I donated to the Red Cross anyway and I plan to donate to the Salvation Army too. It is ridiculous that people in this country have to be refugees out on the streets like that! It makes me so angry...and sad. My husband made me turn off the TV last night because I was so upset.
Posted by: Elaine at September 2, 2005 05:57 PMspeaking from some limited experience, I would say that once you have had your rhogam shots, your baby and subsequent ones should be just fine :). All the best! I have been watching the news and crying too, till david has to turn the tv off or to another channel. *hugs*
Posted by: letti at September 2, 2005 06:41 PMaww these pregnant hormones are the worst- I'm crying even more now! (I just read Faith's blog about losing her dog) I couldn't tear myself away from the news last night, I made myself miserable watching it. My best friends boyfriend brought $6000 worth of supplies up there and is now stuck because there's no gas. It's just a horrible situation all around.
Posted by: girl from florida at September 2, 2005 08:03 PMI just posted on my blog about the very same topic ... hearing about the babies, children, and pregnant women just breaks my heart.
Posted by: Lisanne at September 3, 2005 01:23 PMi really feel for the Katrina Victims. I was watching it on 60 minutes last nite and had to turn the TV off because of the images. it reminded me of the Boxing day Tsunami all over again. i would help if i could.
Posted by: feli at September 5, 2005 12:23 AM