Julio’s World

Well, I still don’t have power at my house, but we’re up and running at the office. Gustav winds battered the the Southeast part of Louisiana (see below). Over 850,000 homes were left without power and hundreds of homes damaged. Part of the beauty of Baton Rouge is that it is an urban forest, but it was those same trees that raised havoc on the city, after gust winds of up to 91 mph pounded them. With the exception of some minor trees being lost along with power at home, our family is fine. Unfortunately, that was not the same with thousands of others. Our governor and mayor, along with other elected officials did an amazing job in preparing for the storm and continue working hard to bring the resources to help the people impacted by the hurricane. It’s during times like these that we remember the most important things in life.

Photos by Carolyn Valentine Blakley

It has been anything but a typical Labor Day weekend in Southeast Louisiana. The last couple of days have been spent preparing and planning for the arrival of Hurricane Gustav. I have been blessed by all the calls, text messages and emails I have received from all over the country and world from people praying and thinking about us down here. I’m proud of Governor Jindal’s leadership and all of our elected officials for their early pro-activeness and preparations to insure the safety of citizens. The churches in the region have been amazing in reaching out to help those who can’t help themselves. I personally know of several who have turn their facilities into nursling homes to help the elderly. They are prepared to serve and help after the storm. I have my entire immediate family hunkered down at my home and so we’re at peace because at least we’re together. One really never knows the storms they will face in life.  Tonight however, we know it’s name is Gustav.