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Hurricane/ tropical Storm Isaac.....August 29-31     Friday, August 31



I saw this morning on the Weather Channel and on the Today Show the same image of two cows stranded on the front porch of a house, surrounded by flood waters from Isaac.  There was alot of water and the house was the only thing visible in what looked like a huge lake.  Each cow had their ear tag, and each one had that look of fright and confusion, an almost human look, waiting to be rescued. 

This is just one of thousands of images taken during and after Isaac.  This was a powerful storm of longer than normal duration and in some cases, worse than Katrina.  Some of the hardest hit areas were the Mississippi Gulf Coast, Slidell and Plaquemines parish in Louisiana.  The biggest problem...severe flooding.  It seemed like a part of the storm broke off and sent a huge band over to South Carolina where over 10 inches of rain caused severe flooding as well.  20 tornadoes, at least 4 dead in the Southeast.  This was a huge storm, a costly storm, and one that will never be forgotten, probably in your lifetime. 

We all know that 2011 was dubbed the "year of the natural disaster" and it was crazy.  The United States suffered every possible natural disaster except for a devastating volcanic eruption.  2012 is not any better.  From record wild fires out West, record drought in the Plains, a drying up Mississippi River, devastating tornadoes this past Spring, and more, we are wondering if things are going to get progressively worse, and permanently.  We wonder what is causing all this destruction, not only here, but around the World. 

We can wonder, but we can do things to protect ourselves and to help others.  The American Red Cross in an outstanding organization that, not only helps many afflicted by natural disasters, but they teach the importance of preparedness and have been credited for saving many lives in that way as well as in other ways.  We can only imagine how busy the Red Cross has been, and if these events continue to take place more and more often, they will continue to grow and continue to respond and help with the increased rates of these disasters. 

It is times like this where many people come together, strangers helping strangers, crying together, hoping together, praying together.  And what do those cows stranded on the front porch think?  I am sure that they were just as scared and just as confused as many of us human victims from this awful and devastating event.  I pray for all those people and all those animals and pets who are suffering right now.  There can be hope, just knowing that the American Red Cross and society in general is always here, and everywhere to lend a heart and a hand to those in need during tough and terrible times.


Lou Ross