Kim Crosby #26 - Letter From Slidell La.

Following is a short article by Kim Crosby concerning her life since Hurricane Katrina. Several photos that Kim took in Slidell are available at the end of article on the kcr site.

http://www.keithcolemanracing.com In her own words: Crosby reflects on Katrina aftermath

Slidell, La. – It has been three weeks since Hurricane Katrina hit the Gulf Coast. My home is just outside of Slidell on the north shore of Lake Pontchartrain. Many people have returned and started the clean up process. Many more cannot return for at least four more months.

Imagine everything you own under water, or worse just gone and not being able to have any closure or new beginning for that amount of time. Some people are still searching for family members. The Keith Coleman Racing Family got some great news recently. Every one of Keith’s family is safe and sound. Prayers have been answered.

As I drove to a friend’s home to help with their clean up, I took some digital images of Slidell. Remember, these photos are three weeks after the storm. The streets have mostly been cleared to allow emergency vehicles and home owners through. My husband and I got home before the streets were cleared and we had to cut our way in.

I considered not adding photos to this because it is just a two dimensional version of our world. Reality doesn’t hit you until you walk up to one of the debris fields and think about where to begin.

We would like to thank everyone for their thoughts, prayers and relief help. Our schools have become Military Campgrounds. The Hummers and other military trucks are everywhere helping those that need it most. The Red Cross and FEMA are on major corners of town along with Operation Blessing handing out ice, water and food to those of us without power or water yet.

You know what? MRE’s (Meals Ready to Eat) are really GREAT! A friend of mine who works for Channel Four News (Mike Ross) said his two children will now only eat MRE’s! We find laughter and comfort in our friends and families. Again, the process will be slow and there is much work to be done.

I would like to thank my team owner for allowing me to stay at home this past weekend to help with my two hands. Running the Red Cross on the cars the weekend after Katrina was great for getting the word out to millions. Now we begin the task of helping one another by being there. Again, your thoughts, prayers and help have been overwhelming to the Gulf Coast communities.

Thank You.

Kim Crosby #26