return to “Big J in Greater New Orleans” index

Re: Bracing for Katrina

sent: 8/31/2005

Greetings dear family,

Thank you so much for all the support. Knowing that I have a strong and resourceful family is what enables me to deal with all this in stride.

Please trust that I’m doing very very well, considering the circumstances. Don’t raise your stress level worrying about me!

I look at the suffering and incredible destruction on TV, and honestly feel that I’m extremely fortunate (and not just because that’s the right thing to say). As Anler mentioned, I recognize that the impact of this tragedy could unexpectedly hit me hard at some later date. However, by now I’ve already accepted the possibility that my possessions are gone and I’m ready to move forward from this setback. I know I have my health and my intelligence to keep me going in the right direction. Oddly enough, I still find myself feeling more optimistic about my future that I was when I felt trapped in an unsatisfying job. At this time my heart goes out to the hundreds of thousands who are suffering far worse than I am, and who don’t have the resources that I have.

I am just fine, and I am going to be just fine!!!

I find tremendous comfort in your support, and I’ll be sure to let you know if I need to lean on any of you throughout the coming months. I’m going to call Grandma shortly to assure her with this same message.

Love J

Bytheway, Mom, “NOLA” is short for “New Orleans LouisianA”