4 YEARS AGO TODAY - KATRINA HIT MISSISSIPPI

IT'S BEEN A LONG, HARD 4 YEARS FOR THE RECOVERY PROCESS - but it's just not over...

I have not blogged here in quite awhile, and certainly not steadily, about Katrina in my beloved Mississippi. A lot has been happening in my own life, changes I never expected, but that's really no excuse. I just want all to know that even though I've had my own problems to deal with there is never, never a day that you all along the coast have not been in my thoughts and in my heart!

Given my own personal experiences with Katrina for the past 4 years, I think she will never be out of my mind. She was life-changing for me. Even though I was not there in person to experience it, I have experienced it deeply.

On this special day, I am sending love and best wishes to all those that I know on the coast and to all that I've never met. God Bless You ALL!

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Steps Coalition- New recovery “shortcomings” report: "Hurricane Katrina, Has Mississippi Fallen Behind?"

Pearlington, MS Recovery- A message from Canada Jon: "Dancing with Katrina."

Relief Volunteers Hancock County-Kathleen's Recovery Blog Waveland, MS & Hancock County


From the City of Biloxi Newsletter by Vincent Creel:

Katrina Memorial: The city will hold a Katrina memorial observance on Saturday, Aug. 29 at 8 a.m. on the Biloxi Town Green. The 30-minute ceremony, which will involve several clergy members, will be capped by the unveiling of Marlin's marlin, a Marlin Miller sculpture created from a standing dead oak on the north side of the Town Green, near the Katrina memorial.

Walking on Water: The second annual Walking on Water Bridge Walk and Canned Food Drive" takes place Saturday, Aug. 29 from 8 a.m. to noon. The public is invited to walk the Biloxi Bay Bridge, and walkers are asked to bring donations of canned goods to help replenish and support local food pantries. Sponsored by the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation and others. Over 700 walkers participated in the inaugural event in 2008 with over 2,000 canned good collected.

Katrina & Biloxi: The city and Cable One will air "Katrina & Biloxi," the city's award-winning documentary on Cable One Cable 13 at 8:30 a.m., 8:30 p.m. and 10:30 p.m.

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Katrina in Biloxi -To see the city's online Katrina section, which includes photos and video.

LOSING ANOTHER BELOVED PET

FRANCES - LOST HER LIFE TO CANCER



Frances came to us two and a half years ago frightened and freaked out. She was on the porch two days before Christmas in 2006. Something clearly had upset and scared her, but she came in the house, found the most comfy chair and adopted us. With a lot of gentle care, she slowly came to trust us and respond to our love.

After Jackson passed away a year ago, Frances suddenly began to assume much of Jackson's antics and behaviors. It was bizarre to say the least but very funny and comforting.

Suddenly on Sunday, Aug. 2nd. she began throwing up and did so off and on all day. Early Monday morning she continued to feel bad and threw up a bit of blood. We immediately took her to the vet. As the day progressed into 4 days, she steadily went down. Diagnosis after an exploratory was cancer of her GI track. On Thursday morning, Aug. 6th., I held in in my arms and we sent her over The Rainbow Bridge.

This has been a shock to my heart.
She was a sweet spirit and and gentle soul in our home. Her leaving has left a black hole in my life and she is deeply missed. The loss of two beloved cats in a year and two months is just too much.

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Animal Clinic of Oxford is an incredibly friendly and caring place. We were well informed of Frances's situation - communication was clear and explanations were pondered and options given. We were given empathy and sympathy and time to talk about our feelings and our pet. We appreciate everything they did for us and Frances.
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Saturday, Aug. 8th. –
Moonpie, a stray I feed, was keeping vigil yesterday between the three cats- Jackson, Cosmo, and Frances's grave in foreground. He has never laid there before. He normally does not hang around during the day, especially when it is hot, which it was yesterday. He stayed there about 3 hours.