To: My Fellow Bloggers and most of the MSM
From: Paul at Wizbang on behalf of himself and serving as self-appointed spokesman for Hurricane Katrina victims everywhere.
With all due respect guys and gals… Chill out.
I’ve never seen one event inspire so many silly posts. Many of you need to put down the mouse and walk away. 😉
I’ve seen the same blogger complain both that the coverage of Katrina was “Hurricane Porn” beforehand and in a separate post whine that the media did not do enough to convince people that they should have evacuated…. You can’t have it both ways.
I fully understand if bloggers were disallowed from complaining about the media and politicians, that modem and broadband sales would suffer double digit sales slumps…. But take a break.
If you think you are more qualified to run the city then the people running it, then by all means when the next election cycle comes around, come on down and throw your hat in the ring. If you think you could have stopped the hurricane if only everyone had listened to you… well I can’t help ya.
There’ll be plenty of time to show off your 20/20 hindsight next week. For now, accept this for what it is… a natural disaster of biblical proportions.
If you want to do something, quit yer whining and do what blogs and bloggers do best… Use information to change the world.
99% of us have no idea how our neighborhoods did. Somebody try to find and compile (reliable) damage reports from specific neighborhoods. Sure it takes some local knowledge, but google maps will fill in the blanks. [Update: The levee broke and the whole damn town flooded so I guess we can check this one off the list.]
We don’t know how FEMA works. Somebody read the news reports on what FEMA is doing and what it is not… Somebody read their site and distill it for those of us who don’t have time for red tape.
Flood insurance? I know the feds handle it. Who do I need to talk to? What do they pay?
Every natural disaster I send the Red Cross my standard $100 donation. I have no idea how to get money from them. It is a grant or a loan?
If I don’t actually cancel my phones and my bill is auto-debit do they still bill me?
If I shut off my phone will I lose my number?
Heck- Somebody make an “Evacuee survival guide” with laser precision information on how to get help without clicking 50 links or waiting on hold 2 hours. If you can save 25,000 people 5 hours of looking up the same information, think of the power in that!
Think of the simple things- Thousands of people lost their glasses. Somebody set up a website where they can coordinate donations of (known) prescription glasses from people who no longer need them. Get a freight company to donate the freight. I bet FedEx will give you an account number that will route all the glasses to some agency in New Orleans.
If you do something to help the victims, ping this post… If there is a lot of people helping out, Kevin will set up a post with the links. (I just volunteered him 😉
Think about it for a second from my chair… (I’m not whining but) I’m almost 40 years old…. Here is the sum total of all my worldly possessions: 4 pairs of shorts, 5 shirts, 2 pairs of shoes, 4 pairs of underwear, 1 pair of blue jeans, a box of family pictures, 2 flashlights, a piece of trench art my grandfather brought back from WWI and my father’s hammer. (Hey, it means a lot to me!) That’s it. Everything else is gone. And BTW, I’m unemployed.
I tell you that not to whine but to let you see the tree thru the forest. Multiply my situation by about a million. Stop and think about that… A million people homeless and unemployed.
If you’re a blogger then (by near definition) you’re a self proclaimed talented person. Prove it. They’ll be plenty of time for punditry and pontification next month… In the mean time there is work to be done. Figure out how to help the victims.
Please (for the sake of all of us who actually understand the situation) please stop whining about the evacuation. It was a stunning success. Please stop saying that the levee at 17th street and Canal St. broke… There’s no such place. (and no, FOXNews, even if there was such a place, I assure you, it would be on the south side of the lake and not the north side of the lake where you showed it on your map)
So here it is in a nutshell… Let’s get some work done and play Monday morning quarterback sometime in early 2006. There’s about million or so of us who would prefer it that way.
I went to FEMA’s site, and ran through a PDF looking for nuggets which I posted, as well as some other hopefully helpful information in a number of different posts.
Just go to Tales of Tadeusz and scroll down.
Some is repeats of info on bigger blogs.
I tried to answer these two questions off Wizbang’s list…
Somebody read their site {FEMA} and distill it for those of us who don’t have time for red tape.
Flood insurance? I know the feds handle it. Who do I need to talk to? What do they pay?
I’ll try to get some more stuff up for tommorrow at least, and perhaps tonight as well. Fare well.
The Salvation Army’s Team Emergency Radio Network has been activated to help family members or friends locate and get information on family members who may have been impacted by Hurricane Katrina.
The SATERN request form is available by visiting http://qso.com/satern/emailfrm.htm .
Family members fill out a form and the network goes to work to try and get information on the family or friend’s condition.
The above was found at:
http://www.wlox.com/Global/story.asp?S=3782912&nav=6DJHduh7
on 08/31/05 at 12:00AM PDT
A search for the term “satern” did not return any hits; I hope it’s not duplicating info already known.
Visit http://www.nola.com/newslogs/hurricanehelp/
for info…they have help numbers for insurance carriers, fema instructions, missing person threads, what to do about power, etc.
GOOD LUCK!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Stay safe, Paul. We’re praying for you guys down here in Florida.
FYI: http://www.nola.com had some good local information and some good practical information for getting in touch with FEMA and other agencies.
Hope that helps some.
I understand your frustration, as do many other bloggers. We feel it also. We are with you in spirit, and that is as much as many can do. Giving money, posting useful info, relaying traffic by way of Ham radio are all great; but in the grand scheme of this tragedy, the frustration is overwhelming.
Frustration grows, borne out of the constant attacks upon our country by our allies and countrymen.
Enduring the stabbing pain of watching helplessly as our fellow countrymen die. The heartbreaking reality sets in and anger rises like lava in a volcano. Frustration grows.
Relentlessly unabated the left wing attack dogs search for any ‘straw man’ to latch onto; so they can zealously club (metaphorically) those they hate. Refusing for one moment to actually care about something other than their selfish interests, they attack with the help of the MSM. Anger and resentment build.
Droning on, the talking heads with their inane and useless chatter driving ‘the story’ with their egos instead of news; leaves people unsated. Assaulting the viewer with their stupidity and the visuals of death and destruction, they present no hope nor do they give us any real news. Feelings of helplessness grow.
Awash in feelings of weakness, racked with guilt due to the inability to do anything other make token gestures; the anger boils over and drives posts that may have been better left to other times.
Desperately looking to ‘do something’ and relieve the pain, we sometimes make wrongheaded decisions. Posting in volcanic fashion, the words flow from anger and not from thought.
Are there some idiotic posts? yes. Do some on the left look like the usual collection of idiots? yes. Could some refocus to areas that are more useful? yes. Are there some politicizing this? yes. Are some just running their usual talking points without regard to the hurt they are causing? yes. Are some doing all they can? yes.
Driven not by hatred, but by Love; we search for ways to help. Sometimes we get angry, but anger is not our raison d’être. Don’t let a few days of posts destroy what good we have done, or will do.
Sending hope and love, for that’s all I have that does not run out.
After reading Paul’s post, I convinced the think tank I work for to take up the small challenge of collecting glasses and disposable contact lenses. (The info on the collection drive can be found here.)
If you’d like to mail us your used eyewear, please send it to:
The Center for Bioethics and Human Dignity
Attn: Katrina Relief
2065 Half Day Road
Bannockburn, IL 60015
From the FEMA site:
Individuals in declared counties can register for disaster assistance with FEMA:
Register online on the FEMA Web site, http://www.fema.gov
Register via telephone toll free at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362)
Register using TTY 800-462-7585
I too, as many others, feel helpless to help, the bit of money seems so little; I stood in the shower and cried at my futility in the face of so much pain. Only one thing I can do to assuage this powerlessness of one poor human being, the me; it’s nothing, but it’s all I have left, and I will give it till I’m dead, kindness, a smile, a shared laugh, an offer to help others whom I might on a daily basis, this is the only currency I have. Bless all of you who do so much more.
I’ve tried to answer the FEMA question with some distilled information here.
Sort of like what Radioblogger and HH did with the Roberts’ docs, I am hoping that individuals will share their expertise and their research skills by taking one of the questions and running the information down. Hope this helps a little.
I have worked as a Red Cross Volunteer in floods in the Midwest and have family who received FEMA funds after two earthquakes in CA.
I hope these comments can answer your questions:
1. RED CROSS aid. Call the Red Cross Help Lines and they will give you the number and location of the shelter in your area. If there hasn’t been a shelter set up, ask them where the closest shelter is located.
When you enter, the shelter will ask for basic personal information and details surrounding your evaluation.
The shelter will have cots and food, as a minimum. The shelters are organized nationally through the regional and local Red Cross offices. SOME groups will put you up in a hotel, give you a basic 25-50 clothing allowance and allow you food money. Other shelters will give you a cot, blanket and have food at the shelter. They will arrange for showers and personal cleaning kits. The shelters are usually set up in schools, churches or community buildings that offer their services. In order to qualify for clothing and housing allowances, a special Red Cross volunteer will need to interview you. Amounts of money given will vary, depening on the circumstances.
2. The Salvation Army is the most responsive, in my view, emergency group. They will provide shelter, food and money assistance. They move faster than the Red Cross and the assistance is usually more comprehensive. They do not missionize or push their religion on people at the shelters. Call the national Salvation Army line to ask where their shelters are located.
3. This is a huge project for FEMA. They have funds but they must come out to your home to evaluate the damage. Usually, they can write reports up within a week, but this looks to be a job that will take six months to a year. If you can, (I do not mean to be cruel…I don’t know where you are, so I want to assist however I can) take photos of the damage. If you are flooded or if you are unable to take photos now, DO NOT attempt to return. There are photos of your home on national security networks. They can look at your address from space photos to see the details of your home. The FEMA worker will appraise damage and you will need to do repairs which FEMA will reimburse you for. They do not just pay money, unless your home has been declared a total loss and you have been forbidden from rebuilding. You will then be paid market value before the storm. This process will take some time to do. Expect your reimbursement to take at least a year.
I will look up the emergency numbers and post them here.
My thoughts are with those in need!
I notice that even many of those who post compassionate comments can’t help taking swipes at the left, all the while accusing the left of being critical. I’m not going to go back and forth on this, but one post did jump out at me:
“As a proud Republican do you notice that all the looters have one thing in common – as a result of this I bet they are Dumbacrats.”
If I’m misinterpreting this I apologize, but this appears to be a blatantly racist post. I would hope this kind of sentiment would be disavowed by those on this board who keep complaining about how the “left” is politicizing this disaster. Look at the number of black faces among the poorest and most desperate victims of this disaster. Is it really necessary to pile on these poor people? And no, I’m not forgiving the looters, but when you have so many black people suffering from this, it’s only logical that you’ll see black people looting, as well. And I have seen white people among the looters, BTW.
For disaster assistance: Call FEMA 1-800-462-9029, for the hearing impaired 1-800-462-7585
To volunteer or make donations: Call FEMA 1-800-801-8092
The Social Security Administration provides benefits for retirement, disability, families, survivors and bereavement. For more information contact:
* Your local Social Security office
* The Social Security’s toll-free service at 1-800-772-1213 (voice) or 1-800-325-0778 (TTY)
* Social Security online at http://www.ssa.gov
My office is collecting for the Red Cross. We discovered that Lowes (large hardware chain) will match donations dollar for dollar. I’m not “plugging” Lowes especially, I’m sure there are others. But it’s a way to leverage your money.
There’s another area that tugs at my heart. The area hit tends to have a high proportion of servicemen. There must be hundreds of guys in Iraq (or other areas) serving our country that do not know what has happened to loved ones. Some may know, but are now helpless to aid their families.
Is there any way to assist there?
We’ve trackbacked to you, and since we have staff experienced with ARC’s National Disaster Recovery Team (and more shortly), we’ve added a post to our blog describing what happens with the ARC and FEMA linking back to yours.
Hope this helps anyone who needs it!
The i66 News Blog Team
I hope the police get hold of looted guns so they don’t do further harm.
It’s irresponsible of these gun retailers prior to this forcasted hurricane not to secure these weapons in a responsible fashion. Anyone who reads history or news knows looters always come when tragedies occur enabling them to.
AK-47s and I’m sure many other horrible weapons out on the street, how sick.
Paul, once you get registered with FEMA, you will be surprised at how efficiently run that agency is. It will take a while to get through to them by phone, but keep trying. The important thing is to get registered early. During my experience, I kept hitting redial until I got a call through. It took about 30 minutes. The interview takes about 20 minutes, and they will assign you a number. Keep that number with you at all times – you’ll need it. They will send someone to interview you at your damaged residence – but in your case, they may make other arrangements. Once you get registered, FEMA will pay for your hotel and living expenses. It’s on a reimbursement basis, of course, but you’ll be surprised at how quickly they reimburse you once you send in the form with your receipts. They have some really sharp employees. I expected the typical lazy, ignorant government worker I had become accustomed to encountering when dealing with government agencies. I dealt with a couple of dozen people at FEMA, and to the last one they were intelligent, helpful, sympathetic, knowledgeable, and mind-blowingly efficient. They know their stuff, and they’re good at it.
I agree with Assistance Help’s post about the Red Cross vs. the Salvation Army. After our flood, it was the Salvation Army who was in the neighborhoods day after day, delivering coffee, water, food, and Clorox. The Red Cross was nowhere to be found, but they sure were on television a lot proclaiming to be giving lots of assistance, including mattresses (and asking for donations, of course). When we finally did locate a Red Cross rep a couple of weeks later and asked for a mattress (we had been sleeping on concrete floors), the Red Cross denied that they were giving out mattresses. The Red Cross took in $40 million for the flood victims (our devastation pales in comparison to yours), but not a single one of us could find anyone the Red Cross actually helped. In fact, many times when we would find a Red Cross worker and ask for assistance, they would reply, “Oh, we don’t do that – you’ll have to call the 800 number or find the rep in your area.” Yeah, right.
Meanwhile, the Salvation Army was quietly helping everyone. No television advertising, no public interviews, just helping. Clothing, food, shelter, glasses – if you need something, they’ll get it for you. Call them.
Try not to worry about bills right now. The phone company will probably reduce your monthly bill if you have service. Our cable company eliminated all charges starting with the day of the flood. Others worked the same way. They’ll ask for your FEMA number as proof that you were one of the victims. So, again, keep that number with you at all times.
Good luck, and be strong. The coming months are going to be frustrating and difficult. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Think of the simple things- Thousands of people lost their glasses. Somebody set up a website where they can coordinate donations of (known) prescription glasses from people who no longer need them.
Actually, there is a group collecting used eyeglasses and (new) disposable contact lenses: The Center for Bioethics and Human Dignity. I read about it at Joe Carter’s The Evangelical Outpost.
There’s another area that tugs at my heart. The area hit tends to have a high proportion of servicemen. There must be hundreds of guys in Iraq (or other areas) serving our country that do not know what has happened to loved ones. Some may know, but are now helpless to aid their families.
Is there any way to assist there?
Yes there is Bill!
Souldier’s Angels has set up a site for donation to help families in the Gulf area of servicemen who are overseas. Many of the Louisiana National Guard are due to be coming home in a few weeks. The quesion is…do they have anything to come hom to? Here’s the link-
http://www.soldiersangels.org/heroes/Operation_Katrina_Soldiers_Relief_Fund.php
Dear Paul,
If you need work for that hammer, I have a job and a place for you. No kidding. DSL and your own Mac too. No snakes, though.
Wishing you better luck, Fred
Let’s all do the job. Stay focused and use our genius to coordinate the effort. The internet is here and let it do its thing.
History will record this disaster by our unity, not by our negativism.
“Ask not what your country can do for you; Ask what you can do for your country.”
John F. Kennedy
One addition to my post:
Get the Congress back in session tomorrow by noon. Get the topic to be Hurricane Katrina Relief. Get the world to focus on us and help. Stay focused like a surgeon. And pray like we needed it because we do.
Paul – there are a lot of people that want to make donations of material things to the hurricane victims but not only are we having a hard time getting through the monetary-donations only agencies, we are unsure of how/when/where to send items. You have enough to deal with and I’m computer stupid and blog ignorant but any information that would help get some relief through to the victims would be greatly appreciated. nemsde@aol.com. Thank you.
I have a RANT as a military Veteran.
I’m looking for someone to post up my thoughts. Please excuse me as I’ve been having a hard time over the past few days. I blew my lid today after watching the events that have taken place.
I was in the United States Air Force up until last May. I will tell you know that I was involved in Aerial Delivery with Air Force Special Operations. I can tell you all the ways
in which this administration has completely failed
our country.
We have American’s rotting in the sun while I will give you clear proof we did not use and STILL have YET TO USE OUR FULL ACTIVE DUTY MILITARY CAPABILITIES IN THIS HORRIBLE TIME.
BUSH DID NOT EVEN CALL UPON ACTIVE DUTY YET WE HAD THE RESOURCES, THE TRAINED AND EQUIPPED ACTIVE DUTY MILITARY PERSONS ONLY TWO STATES AWAY!!!!!
HE STILL HAS YET TO CALL ON THEM!!!! THERE IS SOMETHING VERY WRONG GOING ON HERE NONE OF THIS MAKES SENSE.
I worked in a field where “simulated” humanitarian efforts are what we wasted tax payers money on, playing
war games, “simulating” the types of drops that
we have the full capability to be using effectively AT THIS VERY MOMENT, if not IMMEDIATELY after THEY knew the wide spread
destruction on the Gulf Coast
Right now I am only a disgusted Veteran but I am also a disgusted American watching my fellow American’s die while I know exactly what types of resources we have for situations like this sitting not two states away at an active duty base. YET OUR COMMANDER IN CHIEF AND AMERICAN PRESIDENT NEVER GAVE THEM THE WORD TO STEP IN?
HE NEVER CALLED FOR ACTIVE DUTY WHO HAVE CAREER FIELDS SETUP FOR ISSUES SO SPECIFIC TO THIS??
Please give me a forum so that people will listen to what I have to say.
I need people to listen to this, it was an area I worked in and am familiar with. I hold no loyalties to this administration, they have failed us time and time again. I served during this war time and I am fed up beyond belief. This is my final breaking point, the pain I feel for these people is so great yet I feel like I’m watching them starve knowing full well the capabilities we have to have saved so many thousands of people right from the start. Yet our President and Rumsfeld never called upon them and just let all the resources we need sit two states away.
Please give me an outlet to express what I need to say to the American public. I will give specifics about how we are not handling this properly and tell you exactly how Bush and Rumsfeld purposely did not call out to Active Duty military to help those who dying in front of us now.
I AM HORRIFIED THERE ARE NO WORDS BUT I WOULD LIKE YOU TO POST SOME THINGS I SAID EARLIER ON ANOTHER FORUM, PLEASE HEAR ME AND POST WHAT I HAVE TO SAY TO THE AMERICAN PUBLIC.I have a RANT as a military Veteran.
I’m looking for someone to post up my thoughts. Please excuse me as I’ve been having a hard time over the past few days. I blew my lid today after watching the events that have taken place.
I was in the United States Air Force up until last May. I will tell you know that I was involved in Aerial Delivery with Air Force Special Operations. I can tell you all the ways
in which this administration has completely failed
our country.
We have American’s rotting in the sun while I will give you clear proof we did not use and STILL have YET TO USE OUR FULL ACTIVE DUTY MILITARY CAPABILITIES IN THIS HORRIBLE TIME.
BUSH DID NOT EVEN CALL UPON ACTIVE DUTY YET WE HAD THE RESOURCES, THE TRAINED AND EQUIPPED ACTIVE DUTY MILITARY PERSONS ONLY TWO STATES AWAY!!!!!
HE STILL HAS YET TO CALL ON THEM!!!! THERE IS SOMETHING VERY WRONG GOING ON HERE NONE OF THIS MAKES SENSE.
I worked in a field where “simulated” humanitarian efforts are what we wasted tax payers money on, playing
war games, “simulating” the types of drops that
we have the full capability to be using effectively AT THIS VERY MOMENT, if not IMMEDIATELY after THEY knew the wide spread
destruction on the Gulf Coast
Right now I am only a disgusted Veteran but I am also a disgusted American watching my fellow American’s die while I know exactly what types of resources we have for situations like this sitting not two states away at an active duty base. YET OUR COMMANDER IN CHIEF AND AMERICAN PRESIDENT NEVER GAVE THEM THE WORD TO STEP IN?
HE NEVER CALLED FOR ACTIVE DUTY WHO HAVE CAREER FIELDS SETUP FOR ISSUES SO SPECIFIC TO THIS??
Please give me a forum so that people will listen to what I have to say.
I need people to listen to this, it was an area I worked in and am familiar with. I hold no loyalties to this administration, they have failed us time and time again. I served during this war time and I am fed up beyond belief. This is my final breaking point, the pain I feel for these people is so great yet I feel like I’m watching them starve knowing full well the capabilities we have to have saved so many thousands of people right from the start. Yet our President and Rumsfeld never called upon them and just let all the resources we need sit two states away.
Please give me an outlet to express what I need to say to the American public. I will give specifics about how we are not handling this properly and tell you exactly how Bush and Rumsfeld purposely did not call out to Active Duty military to help those who dying in front of us now.
I AM HORRIFIED THERE ARE NO WORDS BUT I WOULD LIKE YOU TO POST SOME THINGS I SAID EARLIER ON ANOTHER FORUM, PLEASE HEAR ME AND POST WHAT I HAVE TO SAY TO THE AMERICAN PUBLIC.
I’m so sorry I double posted it was an accident.
PLEASE GIVE ME A FORUM TO SAY WHAT I NEED TO SAY
of all the superb coverage of this terrible
heartbreaking tradgedy, only CNN DECIDED to make their usual left slant coverage by critisizing
all efforts by the republican govenor and the
federal government(Bush) in the huge recovery and rescue effort ongoing. they even continued to
interupt the govenor during a interview 9/1/05.
Paul,
I compiled a list for my best friend from NO, of 20 DRO’s – Disaster Recovery Organizations – that you might avail yourself as well. I’m not done with the list but there it has the who, how, where, and about, covered for almost each organization.
I hope this helps a bit. I’ll add more as time permits, I’m currently in DC helping my firm relocate affected employees (including my best friend).
I’ve been where you are, I empathize completely, my prayers are with you.
It is irresponsible to not discuss the long term viability of the city of New Orleans. Here are some salient facts.
1) 30% of the Mississippi flow is diverting to the Gulf of Mexico via the Atchafalaya River.
2) This a geological process known as “delta shifting” and cannot be stopped, only delayed.
3) To delay this diversion the Army Corps of Engineers has spent millions to build control structures at the confluence of the Mississippi,Red, and Atchafalaya Rivers north of New Orleans but, by federal law 30% of the Mississippi bypasses New Orleans.
4) This diversion causes a 30% loss of the silt that is necessary to maintain the delta and wet lands south of New Orleans because without this silt the delta sinks.
5) As the delta is lost, the rate at which the city sinks will increase and eventually New Orleans will be much lower than sea level and have no buffer against the sea.
An honest assessment of this situation without sentiment and political posturing is required.
We already have created an endless “money pit” with slight possibility of long term success.
Bruce Thomas
Arlington Heights, Il
Ref. http://www2.sjsu.edu/faculty/watkins/oldriver.htm
I was just thinking to myself about Bush being a “man of God”, is he thinking that Katrina is payback from God for “shock and awe”-ing Baghdad? Just think, Iraq was probably the same as New Orleans when we bombed it right?
Bruce, can you not read? It is “irresponsible” to be wasting time and bandwidth on bullshit questions like the long term viablility of New Orleans while people are still dying in its streets!
The time for that discussion is 6 months away. Right now, it’s time to get off your ass and do something positive for the survival of those people.
You are exactly the type of person Paul is complaining about in this post.
Another Paul
Feel free to compile your own list but you might like to know that it has already been done. 🙂 Many communities have a directory listing of that information (nonprofit human services contact info and what they do). It’s called Information and Referral and they answer questions, and link people with social services at no charge. It’s totally free, and it is basically the very same information you are referring to, like who do you call for help in a disaster, in a crisis, or just needing info about any social service and the agencies who provide them. It’s completely free. In Texas (the first large state to fully implement) and many other states and major metropolitan areas, you can call one number 2-1-1 and get hooked up. Congress has designated this as the national number for social services. Here’s where it has been implemented thus far:
http://www.211.org/status.html
Speaking of Iraq –
Iraqi Soldiers Send Donation for Katrina Victims
These are the people some people want to abandon to the terrorists. Its always amazing that people who have little to give, give their all. I am stunned into silence.
MERCY AND COMFORT,THOU WHO HAS PITY UPON ALL MEN,MAKE ME FEEL THY PRESENCE EVEN AS I PRAY. AND O HOW GRATEFUL I AM TO COME TO THE SHELTER OF THY LOVE IN PRAYER,DEAR FATHER FOR I DO NOT NEED TO TELL THEE HOW SAD AND LONELY I HAVE BEEN, FOR I AM SURE THOU MUST KNOW IT ALL. YET EVEN IN MY MISERY,DEAR FATHER, I HAVE KNOWN THAT MY COMFORT AND CHEER WOULD BE TO CONIFIED IN THEE THROUGH PRAYER. I THANK THEE FOR THE PRIVILIGE,DEAR FATHER,AND I AM ONLY SORRY THAT I HAVE SO OFTEN NEGLECTED TO TAKE ADVANGE OF IT. PLEASE,LOVING FATHER,HELP ME TO OVERCOME MY SORROW AND SADNESS.HELP ME TO REALIZE THAT ONLY IN THEE IS TRUE HAPPINESS TO BE FOUND. STRENGTHEN MY FAITH,DEAR FATHER, SO THAT I MAY REJOYICE IN YOUR LOVE. TEACH ME THAT SORROW IS ONLY FOR A MINUTE BUT THY JOY IS FOREVER. TEACH ME TO TURN TO THE COMFORT ODF DAILY TASKS THAT TIME MAY HEAL MY TROUBLES. HELP ME TO SHARES THE SADNESS OF OTHERS THAT MY OWN SADNESS MAY BE SHARED AND LIGHTENED. EVEN THIS LITTLE PRAYER HAS MADE ME MORE CHEERFUL,DEAR FATHER.I FEEL I HAVE COME CLOSER TO THEE THAN I HAVE IN SUCH A LONG TIME-AND FOR THE FRIST TIME I TRULY BEGIN TO SEE A LITTLE OF THE LIGHT OF HAPPINES ONCE MORE AMEN