Trish's World

I just got off the phone with my dad in Houston – about 50 miles inland from Galveston for the geographically challenged like myself. I heard from him the other day and they were planning to leave town before Rita reared her ugly head. They were going to head up North to my stepmom’s parent’s house. As of today, they are stuck in Houston with no way out.

They’ve opened both sides of the highway for Northbound traffic so that people can get out faster, but it’s still moving at a crawl. Worse yet, there is no gas to be found in the city. Every gas station bears a sign that reads “No Gas”. They have 3/4 of a tank of gas in their car, but how far can they get with it when traffic is barely moving?

Luckily, my dad works nights at the airport, and his boss told him that he should bring his family, as much food and water as they can, and plan to hole up there until the storm passes. They are leaving to go to the airport sometime tomorrow, but right now, they are terrified. They are packing up all the important papers, photos, hard drives, and assuming the worst – that they won’t have a home to come back to. Especially since it’s a trailer.

I am confident that they will be ok at the airport, but they may lose their home and everything they own. I’m still hoping that Rita might turn a little more North before coming on land, because every little bit North takes her further from Houston. That makes me feel like a horrible person, though, because then there will just be so many other people’s family’s in her path. This just really sucks, you know?

1. missverbena Says:
   September 22nd, 2005 at 4:40 PM

   Aw hon, BIG SUPER HUGS. I hope all works out well for your family. I’ll keep them in my thoughts.

2. Trish Says:
   September 22nd, 2005 at 4:52 PM

   Thanks, chick. All I can do is wait, which totally SUCKS.

3. angiemuffin Says:
   September 22nd, 2005 at 4:56 PM

   prayers comin from over here too gf. hope everyone stays safe.

4. Trish Says:
   September 22nd, 2005 at 4:57 PM

   Thanks. Me too!

5. jevchance Says:
   September 22nd, 2005 at 6:42 PM

   Their safety is the most important thing, and they will be just fine at the airport.

   Its funny I was just thinking about your dad the other night and I was gonna ask you about it… Thanks for the update.

6. Trish Says:
   September 22nd, 2005 at 6:59 PM

   I’m thinking the airport is a great place for them too. Everything else can be replaced – it will totally suck and it will take a while for them to get back on their feet, but we’ll deal with that as it happens.

   They have 2 cocker spaniels and pop’s boss invited them to the airport, too. I’m happy about that, too.