Making a Difference

It's amazing how a phone call can help spring you into action.  Yesterday, I was frustrated because, so far, all I was doing was praying.  Today, though I'm still in the talking stage and still praying, I'm energized because now, I have a plan!  A plan of action.  It's amazing what that can do for you. 

I just got off the phone with my daughter, Nicole, Lesa's older sister.  We've learned that Chris, from Bridger Fire (see blog for 9/8), Lesa's friend, is in Franklinton, Louisiana.  Franklinton is about 75 miles north of New Orleans in the southeast corner of the state and was hit with winds that topped 100 mph. I read they suffered large amounts of damage to businesses and homes.  Some parts of the parrish are without power.  It will take 4-6 weeks to get it back on.  But, they are receiving help from across the country and that's where Bridger Fire comes in.  Chris, along with a crew from Bridger, has been sent to work in a distribution center there.  My plan?  Firemen may not be muffin men but might like chocolate chip cookies.

What has energized me is that since getting off the phone with Nicole I looked up Franklinton on the Internet.  A phone number for Franklinton Fire Department was listed.  I called and reached operator, Fran Gains.  She was so helpful.  When we hung up I had the address to send my cookies to Chris and friends (the other firemen).  Maybe I'll even throw in a few muffins after all.  It's not much and it's not medicine, but maybe it will bring at least a measure of encouragment.

Nicole works for the Bozeman, MT police department and they are preparing to send two large trucks with clothes and other supplies.  She had contributed two bags of clothing. I'm so proud of her!  Yesterday, I heard through the TV coverage that right here in New Jersey, 25 firemen have gone down to help.  My heart is warmed.

We are a long ways from recovering from this titanic natural disaster but bit by bit, person by person, together through our prayers and actions,we can make a difference. 

Tob Blonde taking the day...