My Dad and his wife live in Gulfport - When I read the news and saw the photos Tuesday morning of what the scale of damages has been to that city, I didn't have much hope for things - For three days I waited for word from my Dad - Efforts to reach him at his home phone number were in vain: either the phone lines were down or the lines were jammed with too many people trying to get through to the area

Thursday night I tried calling him again, and he answered! He and his wife were in a shelter for three days, with no way of contacting family - They left the shelter to return to see what was left of their home and miraculously it is still standing, with only minor damages - Everything inside was intact - And they live in a trailer home! - I never held out hope for them still having a home after what I saw was done to great buildings and casinos - Of course, they may be among a small and fortunate minority, but what I mean to say is: Don't despair, if you have loved ones in the disaster zone and are still waiting for word - The news coverage paints a very bleak picture but there are areas that have been spared destruction, and the residents did receive ample warning to evacuate and so most of them did - Keep praying, and keep trying to phone!