An Appointment Tomorrow

Dear Diary,

I’m at that point where I don’t want to be away from the Red Cross office, but some of the things I heard today were just so overwhelming.  I truly grieve for those I try to help.

The gentleman came in and another volunteer was helping but I walked into the room as he was explaining what he needed. He needed medication. Medication for high blood pressure. He hadn’t taken any in 6 days.  He went to the local Wal-Mart as they would have his records. Wal-Mart had to call insurance.  Insurance REFUSED to pay because this prescription had been filled recently (prior to Katrina blowing into town) and not enough time had lapsed for another refill. OMG! I’m not sure who was more livid, me or the other  volunteer.

We began calling the local medical resources that we have in town, one specifically set up for  the evacuees. The closest one to us wanted him to come over right away.  They were going to help him, possibly with a different prescription or with samples. They wanted to know the name of his stoopid insurance company – as did we all.  It’s as if some people (besides the president) haven’t heard about this disaster.

One of my calls was from a gentle soul, inquiring about options for glasses or contacts and medical attention. The night before the storm hit, she took her contacts out. In the morning when her neighbor came to help her out, she grabbed some glasses instead. Glasses that were about 4 years old and not doing her much good.  And since she had been in some of the water, she wanted some vaccination.  One place she went to said that since she didn’t have any lessions they couldn’t give her the vaccine as it was in limited supply.  I offered her another place to check for medical attention.  She quitely stated, "This is all so overwhelming".  I replied, "It certainly is and I wish I could do more for you."

And then there was the call – actually 2 of them – that I am so glad I did not take. One was from a local who wanted assistance with gas for her car.  Our volunteer explained that we did not have gas vouchers for her or for anyone.  This caller went off on the volunteer, accusing us of helping "all those people from out of state and not your own".  I would have asked the bitch if she still had her car and to consider herself damn lucky as many of the evacuees did not.  DUH!  The other call was quite dramatic. The guy had traveled from New York to New Orleans to see his "girlfriend" only to find out that she was getting back with her ex-husband. Katrina hit and somehow he ended up in the Houston area.  He was trying to get back home and his mama had arranged for a bus ticket but he had to get the bus in Lake Charles, about 3-4 hours from here. And he wanted us to help him get there.  Uh, so sorry but we don’t have the resources for that.  You should have stayed in New York.  Weren’t you aware that Katrina was on her way???

The people I have met the past few days have been so nice. Not a rude one in the bunch. They are tired and a little frustrated with the whole process.  I can’t say as I blame them.  Today, in between the tough calls, I worked on my frustration by cleaning up the kitchen. I made "executive decisions" and threw out a lot of leftovers in the refrigerator.  I made a call to a local maid service to inquire about their  prices. I explained in great detail (with a little of my own dramatics) the situation and the need to clean the place and the need to possibly get some of my  friends to help pay as this really needed to be done but the staff was exhausted, etc. etc. The lady is coming by Friday afternoon to do a walk through and would consider doing the job as a donation to the RC.  Fine by me!

Tonight I’m tired. But I’m more sad than tired.  The director cautioned me about taking this home.  But assured me that I was needed because the evacuees needed my compassion.  So, I’ll be back.  Besides, I have…

… an appointment tomorrow.

~Susie