While I was at WDW - My home was destroyed.....

[nasmith]

A quick trip to the Wilderness Lodge has turned into a nightmare for us....We lived in Ocean Springs, MS (My Naval Officer Husband had been stationed at Pascagoula)......Obviously, I am blessed that myself, my 5 yo son, and my Husband are safe -unfortunately, that doesn't make me all that happy at this point.........

While we have lost everything; at least we have family outside the area - and a place to go to....Many people down there are dirt poor and have NO OTHER place to go.....I know, I saw it every day........

PLEASE, PLEASE, quit complaining about towel animals (or lack of), refillable mugs, free upgrades (No, we weren't), pool-hopping etc. and make a donation to the Red-cross to help those less fortunate than me...

Please do not be like the Newlywed from New York that was sitting across from us at Jiko on Monday night (The night after the Hurricane came through).....She asked the waiter for more water, and when it took him a few minutes to get it - she said (AND I QUOTE) - "What, did you have to go to New Orleans to get it?" - laughing.....Turns out the waiter (Drew - if you happen to go there) was from New Orleans, his whole family was in New Orleans, and My house was demolished by the same hurricane....Not so very funny to be making jokes at other's misforturunes.......


Thanks for listening.....I'm going to post this on the resorts board too.....Jill

[natalielongstaff]

im sorry to hear your news jill, you are right we should all stop and be thankful for what we do have rather than whining about what we don't :grouphug:

[disneyag]

I am so sorry for you and your family! Please know that we are all praying for you!!!

[Ladyhawke10]

While I'm nowhere near New Orleans, I've been following the events closely and have been quite affected by the disaster. I'm so sorry for you and anyone else who was directly affected. Don't worry about the bride--shallow, insensitive types tend to find out what the world is really about at one time or another.

Your post gives a good message. I, too, wish more people would remember to be happy at WDW. Some of the complaints on here make me cringe...but they're interesting to read at the same time.

I love that Walt built Disney in an attempt to keep people happy. I hope that spirit endures for most that visit WDW! :wizard:

[ruzer28]

I'm so sorry to hear that you lost your home. I feel so terrible for all of you affected by this. I've been trying to think about how I would feel in the position that you are in and it's just too awful to fathom. I'm sorry that you had to hear that callous remark from someone at dinner. I guess some people just don't think a tragedy is a tragedy unless it is happening to them. My thoughts and prayers are with you, and I hope that you will be able to get the help that you need in order to rebuild your lives.

[gr8ful4Him]

I am so sorry to hear of the tragedy that has hit your family and those around you. This is something that NOBODY should even consider joking about, for it is a situation that is not funny in the least :sad2: How insensitive that lady was with her comment, but maybe she was not aware (being the day after it hit and on vacation?) of the total devistation that has occurred (trying to give her the benefit of the doubt)...or maybe she just doesn't "get it"...
I'm not sure how I would have contained myself if I were you or Drew in the same situation. I probably would have had a few things to say to her...and my dh would have probably cringed :confused3
Where we are, people are complaining because of the gas price increases. While they have gone up by at least 50 cents in the last couple of days, I have been trying to remind people that they need to count the blessings that they have at this time and quit complaining, things could be alot worse!
Praying for all who have been affected by this hurricane that you may see relief quickly.
:grouphug:

[cindermomma]

God bless your family and all those affected by the hurricane. My family and I are donating to the red cross.

[jarestel]

Excellent points, Jill. When you see what people complain about on a daily basis here, compared to what others have to deal with, it does seem pretty trivial. As they say a starving man will eat anything, a well fed man will send back a filet mignon if it's not "pink" enough. We do lose perspective sometimes. Best of luck to you and your family!

[CRSNDSNY]

Please do not be like the Newlywed from New York that was sitting across from us at Jiko on Monday night (The night after the Hurricane came through).....She asked the waiter for more water, and when it took him a few minutes to get it - she said (AND I QUOTE) - "What, did you have to go to New Orleans to get it?" - laughing.....Turns out the waiter (Drew - if you happen to go there) was from New Orleans, his whole family was in New Orleans, and My house was demolished by the same hurricane....Not so very funny to be making jokes at other's misforturunes.......
That is APPALLING! I am glad you are okay.
Best to you.

[tortoni]

My thoughts and prayers are with you. I am glad you were not home when the disaster struck.

[trayletha]

Jill - Thank God that you and your family are safe and have a place; my family and church are praying for everyone in the Gulf area. Please remember that most people are much more compassionate then the unfortunate woman you and your waiter Drew encountered. :grouphug:

[daisy_77]

I just wanted to say that I am glad that you and your family are safe and sound and have somewhere to go ...
...as for the newlywed at Jiko-some people have no compassion and think only of themselves.:sad2:

[FromVatoDisney]

Jill,

I am so very sorry for your loss. I am sure you are in the thoughts and/or prayers of everyone here. Thank you for posting. We will be donating.

[tiedye602]

So thankful you and your family are safe. All those affected our in my prayers. I went to give supplies to the relief effort at my church yesterday and am going this afternoon to give blood. I encourage anyone that is able to do the same. God bless you. :grouphug:

[KellyluvsDisney]

God Bless your family. I will keep you and all the hurricane victims in my prayers.

[lisaviolet]

I am so sorry Jill.

[bevemjake]

I am absolutely sick over what has happened, and is still happening, down in that area. I'm so sorry for your loss. Just know that there are lots of us that that thinking of all of you.

:guilty:

[Nancyg56]

I am so very sorry for the terrible loss that your family has sustained. It is impossible to imagine a tragedy of this magnetude. I add my prayers to all of the others that the good people of the gulf coast region will see a light at the end of this long tunnel.

Please continue to remind people that aid is needed, and if money or goods are not possible at this time, churches are organizing to send food, water, and baby supplies. I'm sure that another set of hands would be welcome.

[Disneynutbsv]

Prayers for you and your family. My aunt also lives in Ocean Springs. She evacuated a few days before and went to Northern MS. She's going back today to see if she has a house left...her neighbor told her not to plan on it:(
:grouphug:

[tjmouse]

My thoughts are with you. Thank goodness your family wasn't there when it happened. I know it's hard to see all these people complaining about discounts and towel animals, etc. when your life is a wreck. It's just how a lot of people cope I guess or there are some who just don't care unless it is happening to them.

We have been collecting money all day today at work and hopefully all Americans will pull together and pitch in all that they can to help.

[goofie4goofy]

My DH and I are so saddened by this. I am so sorry for you. I completely understand what you are saying.. I was on the phone with GF IPO on Monday, and it just seemed so inappropriate. My DH and I have already given a very generous donation to the Red cross and will be donating a portion of our profits also. It seems as though there are many very generous people in this world, the problem does not appear at this time to be money but the support from the Gov't to get what is needed to the most in need. I have spoken to so many about this and everyone's hearts are heavy.

That person's remarks were just horrible. I am hoping she did not know and she had read the waiter's name tag. Since it says where the CM is from, maybe she was being "funny" and her remark had nothing to do with the hurricane. A stupid *** will always be a stupid ***.

We are praying and giving as much $$ as we can. I have a feeling further down the road people will need clothing, shoes, cell phones, computers etc...I am already planing for that as well. There are so many children and families here on Long Island that have lemonade stands and car washes set up for hurricane Katrina. It is a very heartwarming thing to see..so many care. I know that does not help the immediate and most severe situation. But the world is watching and asking "why is this happening???"

[pbharris4]

I am so sorry you lost everything, but glad you and your family are safe and have a place to go. I don't know if you said anything to that person at the next table, but if not.you should have put that person in their place. Sometimes people like that need a good swift kick in the *ss to show them how cruel they are being. How nasty!! How could anyone be that heartless?

[chigirl]

So sorry to hear about your loss. The company I work for, JCPenney, lost 6 stores and we have 900 employees unaccounted for. We are collecting for the JCPenney Disaster Relief Fund, which benefits our employees affected, and for the Red Cross. This is such a tragic time, it is a national disgrace and a national disaster. We had a house fire in May and I know the terror I felt and shock with that and we only had minor damage, I cannot wrap my mind around the devastation there. Peace be with you. Everyone, please give what you can. My company is matching 100% to the employee's contributions...check with your employer to see if they will. Give to the Red Cross. Urge local businesses to donate supplies...
sadly, your story of the stupid newlywed does not surprise me. This world has become self-centered and lacking of soul and that scares me. Put yourself in the people's shoes who have lost everything. They'd be happy to get a glass of waiter even if it took awhile, they'd be happy for anything. My thoughts are with you and your family and neighbors. Peace to you.

[TB'sWidow]

I am truly sorry for your loss and wishing everyone affected much comfort and relief. May god bless you all :grouphug:

[afrazier]

Jill,

Thank you for your post. We all need to stand back and thank God for what we have and be thankful. Also, we all need to cut others a break when things aren't perfect with our vacations or just life in general.

My husband works for a major metro police department here in the Atlanta area. Last night he returned home at 2 a.m. after having left home at 6 a.m. that previous morning. He is helping coordinate local efforts here while military transports are bringing literally what you would call "refugees" from the New Orleans area in need of medical care at our hospitals. (Did you ever think that the USA would have "refugees"?) After these folks are treated at hospitals, they still have no place to go which is very sad for them and a logistical nightmare for law enforcement/public safety in general. They need our prayers and financial support thru the Red Cross, etc. to have wisdom and the means to help these people as soon as possible.

Jill, you are in my prayers and for the rest that are in this terrible situation.

Angie

[NMW]

So sorry for your loss. :grouphug:

[Kaycee]

I'm so sorry, Jill. :grouphug:

[cat1258]

Jill

My heart aches for you and all the other citizens of the Gulf Coast who have suffered such terrible losses. Being from north Mississippi , it is just heartbreaking to see the terrible suffering of my fellow Mississippians. We may not have a lot of money here in our state, but we have plenty of love and compassion, and very generous hearts. The people of our state are all praying for you, and I know we'll all pull together to help you get back on your feet again. Until then, know we all love you and are keeping you in our prayers. Don't let the insensitivity of that girl dishearten you!! Some people have absolutely no idea how stupid and hurtful their remarks can be. She's not worth another minute's thought. Keep your faith and know that God and the people of Mississippi love you!!! :grouphug:

[can]

Jill,


Though your home was destroyed, am very glad to hear that you and your family are safe. As an adult, I apologize to you for the insensitivity of the "bride" and her cruel remarks. Please know that there are many adults here that are praying for you and those around you and that your misfortune has put our lives into perspective. Please feel our thoughts and prayers and let that be a source of strength to you and yours in the weeks ahead as you try to rebuild your lives.

God Bless,
Cathy

[Vickie46]

I am so so so sorry.. you are in my prayers.. daily!!!!!!!! I know you must be devasted... only you and the people that live near by understand.. I think it looks devasting.. I am so so sorry.. I just can't imagine.. I am praying for you daily.. I will keep your family specially in my prayers.

[jwfla422]

So so sorry to hear about your loss and misfortune.

We were in WDW when Katrina hit the gulf coast. I was tracking it closely as it had gone through our area first as a CAT 1 the day we were originally scheduled to leave so we ended up postponing a few days. We were EXTREMELY lucky...always seems like one's luck is someone else's misfortune when it comes to these hurricanes. But, even while we were in WDW I paid close attention to it. I think being in WDW was a distraction otherwise I would have been glued to my t.v. 24/7.

Ironically, I do recall who Drew is at JIKO, he had waited on us and I remember him telling me how great the monkfish was and that it was popular where he was from, obviously New Orleans. He is a really nice guy. I sure hope his family is ok.

I don't know which is worse, not being there and not knowing what happened to your home or family or being there and having to go through the awful experience of the hurricane coming through and the aftermath. I couldn't imagine coming back to nothing. I know of some people who went through that with Andrew.

It is sad that people can be quite insensitive, mainly because they've never had to go through any horrible experiences like that. They think all that happens to everyone else.

Thank god, your family is safe, I sure hope Drew's is too. I have a friend on the DIS boards I'm still waiting to hear from who lives just outside of New Orleans. Our thoughts are with you and your family during this tough time.

[Stepharia]

Jill,

Our thoughts and prayers are with you and everyone affected by this hurricane. It should make us all stop and realize that we should not take things for granted. I'm glad you and your family are safe. DD's school had a fundraiser today where they could pay to wear UofL or UofK tshirts and all the funds go to the Red Cross. I too am waiting for someone to ask for donations of clothes or toys. DD7 has plenty of toys she said she wants to give to kids who lost everything. We also have a lot of clothes she's outgrown. I just hope we keep seeing everyone pulling together to help all the people hit by the hurricane. It's so hard to watch the news and see what all these victims are going through without tears coming to your eyes.

:cheer2: 27 days and counting
:earsgirl: princess:

[Pats Dragon]

I too am praying for you and everyone else directly affected by this horrible tragedy. It is beyond horrible. I'll never forget in 1994 when my city had a major flood and people were rescued by helicopter and me and my kids got out through knee deep water with only our clothes; we went to a grocery store in the high and dry section of town. There were many evacuees there, crying and buying bottles of water. An immaculately dressed lady turned to me as she purchased roses and wine and remarked laughingly about the need for rain. I was shocked beyond words. People had died!!! I guess some folks just don't think. Take care.

[marcyinPA]

God Bless you and your family, and may He lift the burdens from your heart in this tragic time!

I'll be donating through my church (Presbyterian U.S.A.) :grouphug:

[HaleyB]

So glad to hear you are safe, and so sorry to hear of the loss of your home.

We have a lot of refugee's here in Texas and it has really brought out the best in a lot of people. It is heart warming to see the outpouring of love from people all over the world.

[cjsmom5]

Jill

Our families prayers are with you. I know every morning I get up and see what is going on, I kiss my DS and DH and thank God for what I have. Also, thank you and your family for your husband's service. Being a military "brat" I am well aware of the sacrifices that you all make, on a daily basis. Please know that our heart goes out to you ... we are so sorry ...

[nasmith]

Thanks so much for your thoughts and concerns!! My DH was finally able to get out to our house today -and it's still standing!! Lost most of the roof and siding, and we have about a foot of water in it (worse in the garage)- but many of my belongings are salvagable- Honestly - I feel like I've just won the Lottery and been crowned a Disney Princess all at the same time!!! (I was envisioning a pile of sticks, as we were only 5 miles from Biloxi)

We were in the Rosewood estates too - My Dh said that the destuction was hit or miss, but not all the houses are destoyed - some fared better than others - Heck, even our local walmart is open with limited supplies on a cash-only basis. The town is out of gas - so most residents are stuck until the fuel trucks arrive (soon, I pray)....My DH had to drive to AL in order ro get cell reception to call me (He has a diesel engine - and diesel fuel is available)....He and his fellow sailors have spent most of the day giving out MREs (to all people who need them) and giving the gas from the base to those who needed it (They had to rig some sort of bilge-pump off a ship in order to get the gas out of the tank due to no power). So- For all of those with relatives that you haven't heard from - I'm keeping my fingers crossed for you that it is just a communication barrier, and that they are fine!..

Thanks for all of the offers for help - But we are well cared for! I probably shouldn't have made the post - but I was feeling a bit testy.........There are thousands of people down there who do need help however! They had nowhere to go as their entire family is down there. If I find a better way to help those people than thru the National agencies, I'll be sure to post.....Thanks again for your thoughts and prayers!! You are all the best!!!Jill

[triplefigs]

I'm so glad you all are ok and that your home is still somewhat intact. I'm from MS and all my family lives there. It's been an awful week. so many of our friends homes were completely destroyed. My mom teaches school in North MS and they're expecting a huge influx of kids on Tuesday from the area affected. You sound like you have a wonderful attitude. Know that we're all praying for everyone.

AND PLEASE MAKE A DONATION TO HELP THE VICTIMS!!!!!!

[tiggersmom2]

I too am praying for you and everyone else directly affected by this horrible tragedy. It is beyond horrible. I'll never forget in 1994 when my city had a major flood and people were rescued by helicopter and me and my kids got out through knee deep water with only our clothes; we went to a grocery store in the high and dry section of town. There were many evacuees there, crying and buying bottles of water. An immaculately dressed lady turned to me as she purchased roses and wine and remarked laughingly about the need for rain. I was shocked beyond words. People had died!!! I guess some folks just don't think. Take care.


I think we live in the SAME city......the Ocmulgee is a terror when she floods. :grouphug:

My hubby was out of work for 1 month b/c of the flood.......his office was underwater on Riverside Drive.

[athenna]

You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers :grouphug:
What that woman said to the waiter is unbelievable. I actually sat here tearing up when I read that. Fortunatly, most of the people in our country do not feel as she does, and we really do care.

[Frankiesmom]

So glad to hear that your DH is fine and your home is still standing! I donated to the Red Cross-what everyone in the south is going thru is horrible! We are just so sad about New orleans-we spent our honeymoon there in may 2000. Please take care and know that all people from New York are not as boorish as that newlywed you encountered. God Bless! Angel

[WDWBetsy]

Jill - I am so glad you and your family are okay. I was thrilled to read later in the thread that your house is still standing and your possessions are salvageable. I can't imagine what you're all going through, but my heart goes out to you and all the victims. :grouphug: I have donated to the Red Cross and hope those in need get help soon.

If it were me, I really think I would have thrown my own glass of water in that lady's face, saying "Here's your water - maybe this will thaw out your cold heart!" People still continue to amaze me for their lack of sensitivity.

Sending lots of pixie dust your way... :wizard:

[justKim]

I probably shouldn't have made the post - but I was feeling a bit testy.........

Good grief, I would have been more than just a "bit testy". You are a stronger woman than I.

Thank you for letting us know the update to your situation. I hope that you continue to be safe.

[pamouselover]

Wow...I am feeling bad about going to Disney World with all of those people down south with nothing. I feel like I should not be happy when there are people is such bad shape here in my own country.It is just not right.... I am confused though why does your location say Location: FL / VT?

[magicmato]

Yesterday, we were in Walmart. They have a place set up where you can donate money. This woman put in a whole bunch and walked away, not noticing that one of the $20 she had tried to put in actually fell on the floor. I walked over to pick it up and replace it when a teen walked over, grabbed it and started to walk away. I said: "Excuse me!" and reached out, took the $20 and placed it into the bin where it was intended to go. He said, "Hey!" and I said, "That is not yours and you know it." He just glared at me and stalked away.

It saddens me that someone will grab money they know is supposed to go to charity. My husband was so embarassed, but I felt it was the least I could do, considering everything else happening in the world these days! That and the fact that there was at least 6 other people standing right there as shocked as I was, lol.

[cat1258]

Jill

I'm so glad to hear that things are looking better for you. I know that you have a lot of hard work ahead of you to restore your home, but it's great that it's still restorable. There are a lot of people here in Mississippi who have been left with nothing but the clothes on their backs, and who are living in their cars or in tents in parking lots. With all the media attention seemingly focused on New Orleans, I hope people don't forget that Mississippi and Alabama are suffering also. Author John Grisham, who is from Mississippi, has donated five million dollars and set up a fund to help rebuild the Gulf coast. It is called Rebuild the Coast and anyone wishing to donate can do so online at www.RebuildTheCoastFund.org, or by sending a check or money order to: Rebuild the Coast Fund Inc. c/o BancorpSouth; P.O. Box 789; Tupelo, MS 38802, or Rebuild the Coast Fund; P.O. Box 4500; Tupelo, MS 38803. The money collected will go to help Mississippi residents and business owners to rebuild their lives. I hope everyone will consider donating to this fund, as it will go toward helping a lot of people who desperately need help.

I'll continue to pray for you and your family, and for all the people affected by this catastrophe. God bless you. :grouphug:

[candmforever]

Oh Jill, how horrible, thankfully you all are safe. We are in N. Florida and are opening our home to those less fortunate to come stay w/ us until they have somewhere else to go.

BTW is your Mayor still missing? I heard on the news that the Mayor for Ocean Springs, MS cannot be accounted for?

[lookingforward]

Please take care and know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and everyone who is a victim of this tragedy. You made an excellent point about not letting trivial things get in the way of enjoying all the wonderful things in this world. Let us know how you and your family are doing.

[Lizzybee]

While I'm nowhere near New Orleans, I've been following the events closely and have been quite affected by the disaster. I'm so sorry for you and anyone else who was directly affected. Don't worry about the bride--shallow, insensitive types tend to find out what the world is really about at one time or another.

Your post gives a good message. I, too, wish more people would remember to be happy at WDW. Some of the complaints on here make me cringe...but they're interesting to read at the same time.

I love that Walt built Disney in an attempt to keep people happy. I hope that spirit endures for most that visit WDW! :wizard:

I agree with you 100%. I think there were things that weren't 100% magical when we were just at WDW, but somehow the magic (if you let it) just makes it disappear. It's all in how you look at it we "toured" WDW on the ME bus (not took FOREVER to get to our resorts stopping everywhere else first); we had a relaxed leisurely meal at Prime Time Cafe in the air conditioning on soft seats (not it took FOREVER for us to get our food). Some things take time but it's Disney time, soak in the pixie dust.

I am so sorry for your loss. I have lived through a couple more minor hurricanes when my ex husband was stationed in NC and they are horrible and scary. My cousin just lost everything to a house fire. I'm not saying that i can understand but I truly emphathize and pray for your needs and the needs of those around you to be met swiftly and completely. Blessings and pixie dust to you

[Dizneydaz]

Jill, I'm glad you and your family are safe and were out of harm's way when the storm hit. I'm sorry about your home and your neighborhood. I''ve never been to New Orleans (our even the south) but was planning on going one day. My sister and her husband went to New Orleans earlier this year and my sister loves it some much that she said she is donating $500 to Red Cross. She is heartsick about the people and historical homes in the area. I'm also going to donate to the Red Cross. I wish there was more we could do but we live to far away to do anything but send $$.

If you need any help, please don't hesiate to post a message. I'm sure you'll get plenty of responses. (and that goes for other Dis Boarders out there)

[disneyfan61]

Jill

So sorry to hear about everything going on but glad to hear that your home was intact. The other day our local tv station had a telethon & raised over one million dollars (for NH I think that was ok) & although I donated during the telethon I still feel so helpless watching everything going on down there. We are too far away to help in other ways however anyone out there that hasn't donated $$$ & can-please do so!!! When I think about all the $$ given to other
countries-we need to help our own!!! Jill-there are so many people praying for
you & everyone affected. :grouphug:

[crazy4disney01]

I'm so sorry for your loss!! I'm glad that you and your family are ok and have a place to stay until you can rebuild. There are so many people praying for you and wanting to help anyway we can! I don't understand why people make such selfish and ignorant comments-but know they are the minority! (Some people don't realize what it means to be grateful for their lives and what they have.)

God bless you and your family!!

Chelly

[ufgator]

Jill, my heart goes out to you, your family, and everyone else affected by Katrina. I'm glad you got some good news about your home. May God bless everyone affected by this.

[A Mickeyfan]

You can always rebuild but the main thing your family was safe. My thoughts are with you. It will take time & patience for the rebuilding. You will be frustrated by the littlest things... just keep reminding yourself that your famiy was ok... and it should help you pull thru. Take pictures of what you can..keep all papers dealing with insurance & estimates together. Go over everything as you get it from the insurance.... not they cheat on purpose, but they are known for mistakes in their favor (like claiming they never got your estimate for a repair that you sent them 6 times). Be prepared to deal with many adjusters...seems that they will keep changing as the time goes on. I remember with me, in Aug there was one...then in Oct/Nov there was another, then from Dec to Feb there were about 3 more & with each one, seems you have to resend any estimates that haven't already been paid out for... many headaches will come in the next few months. There are homes here that still have tarp roofs from 8/13/04. It is over one year, there are people still living in trailers & RV's on a lot where their home once stood. Everyone that has been hit has a long road ahead of them..... sometimes only faith can help... hang in there...you & everyone else are in my prayers.... :grouphug:

[We-Luv-Disney]

I am glad that you and your family are safe. I am very sorry for your loss. I am thinking of you and your family along with all the others that were affected by Katrina. I will keep you all in my prayers.

[angelmom]

Jill, you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers :grouphug:

[pattyT]

So glad to hear that you are safe!
:grouphug: my thoughts and prayers are with you during this tough time.

[nasmith]

Everyone here has been so supportive!! Thanks so much - it cheers my heart to hear so many positive things! I'm happy that those who are able to donate - do...I just hope that no one tries to make a personal gain from all of this - I think donations should go to a national organization or other reputable organization (I love John Grisham setting up that fund (and his books!))- or of course, your own friends and family!


PamMouselover- Sorry for the confusion - I haven't updated my personal page for quite some time! My DH is Navy - and I wrote FL/VT soon after we moved to VT from FL (where he is officially a resident)-- from there we moved to RI, and last year (almost exactly a year ago - we moved to MS.... Military life is not a very stable life........

Thanks again everyone!!! Jill