the email i sent out this morning

I don't usually send out email like this, but the past week and a half has been nothing usual.

As most of you know, I am from Louisiana and my family still lives there. My parents who live in Baton Rouge had just a few trees down but no real damage from the storm. My brother who lives on the Northshore of Lake Ponchartrain also fared okay. Most of the siding is gone off their brand new home, but they're all safe.

My dad works for the electric utility company there and has been working 18-20 hour days making sure restoration crews have meals and at least a cot to get a little sleep. While schools and universities have been closed my sister has gone up to their church to play with children and help the 80-90 people who are staying there for the week.

While my family's lives are okay, many of my friends and former students are living with friends and family in other cities throughout the state as they can not return to their homes in New Orleans.

This morning I've been online getting information for my dad who is trying to help arrange a way to get a 13 year-old boy to San Antonio. He was separated from his mom during the evacuation, and they located her at a shelter in San Antonio. I can't even imaging how frightening it would be for anyone, much less a child.

I say all this to encourage you to help in any way you can. I know on campus there is a collection going on today for the Red Cross, and if you feel compelled, please give. There are many other organizations accepting donations so I encourage you to find the way that feels right to you, and give what you can no matter how great or small.

We think of tragedy like this striking people who are very far away, but this feels very personal to me.