If you are ever lacking for a word to describe one special lady, that word would be Michele.
We met at 9 and I think both of us hated to have to part over 2 hours later. She has returned to her hometown and she & her sister have been giving it their all to help in anyway possible.
We talked like we had known each other forever. I think, or at least hope, it did her some good to discuss other things than what she has seen and done. She is so excited about her upcoming ROAR trip and I could tell her about MUSH. We were able to laugh about plumbing, sewer and dealing with the city government when these problems arise. It was fun to hear about her trip to see Daisy perform. And how our husbands can sometimes think we are nuts when we talk on & on about things happening on LCT.
I know she is planning to write her own post about her experiences but I did ask if she had anything she wanted me to say to all of you about what has been this ongoing problem with Katrina. Michele, I hope I get your quote correct. "Tell everyone to not pay attention to what you are hearing from the national TV reports." The volunteers eat with the evacuees, not each other. Their (the evacuees) anger is directed at their local & state officials, not the federal gov’t. I didn’t see Oprah on Monday, but her sister taped the show, knowing Oprah was at the Dome. They were not happy with Oprah’s views or reporting.
I left Michele with 3 small scented candles and told her to talk a nice bath & have some aromatherapy. She is leaving on Friday at noon, after her morning shift.
We had a great time and she is one fantastic woman.

Betty,

Thanks for the update on Michele!! She definitely is a hero in my eyes. Thank God for people like her!! And thank God for Houston and other areas and states taking in evacuees and helping these displaced people.

I am looking forward to reading about her experience. From everything I have read or seen on cable TV, (we stay far away from network TV news in our house), many of the evacuees are happy they are getting some basic needs taken care of and many seem optimistic. I know they have lived through hell last week and they have nothing left and that is terrible. I can't imagine how that would feel. But many of them seem anxious to get going again and rebuild their lives.

Betty, I bet you and Michelle had the most interesting lunch! I am glad that Michelle got a break and was able to enjoy a few hours with you.

Betty,

Yes, you hit the nail on the head. I too have had the pleasure of Michele and Don's company. Very special people.
Reminds me of a quote that I have heard numerous times, Some people make things happen, some people watch things happen and others are wondering what did happen. Michele is no question a doer and we are blessed to have someone "doing". What a wonderful thing to do but go and serve those in need and making a difference.

Applause and a standing ovation to you, Michele!

Here, here!! What you said, Kathy!! :)

Betty, thank you so much for passing on the story of your visit with Michele, along with her message to us about the National TV reports. I'm sure you both needed that connection and break for all that is going on in your city right now. Michele is great and so easy to talk with. I so much enjoyed our "Daisy" day with her, Don, Kathy, Frank, Pat & Fred.

Also, what a sweet thing you did with the 3 candles for Michele for her aromatherapy. I'm sure it was a little slice of heaven for her.

Take care,

So glad you both had an opportunity to meet.

Michele is an incredible woman! You're pretty terrific, too, Betty!

I thought Oprah did a lousy job - at one point some poor woman tried to hug her and Oprah looked like she was afraid the woman would get dirt on her Oscar de la Renta suit - I thought she was inflammatory - just my opinion - Michelle you are terrific!!!