Geralyn Bleau receives a call from her husband, Gil, as he makes his way home for the first time since Hurricane Katrina. Completion of a ramp to Bleau's FEMA trailer happened in time for Gil, who uses a wheelchair, to come home for Christmas from a nursing home where he spent the last few months. Click 'play' to see Gil come home. (J. Brecher / MSNBC.com)
WAVELAND, Miss. -- Big Gil Bleau is home for the holidays and he and his family want you to know one thing for sure: “If it wasn’t for FEMA, I wouldn’t be here.”
In a story that would thaw the coldest heart, Bleau sits today in his wheelchair in a specially outfitted travel trailer at the top of a lovingly constructed ramp in front of his hurricane-wasted home down on Keller Street a bit north of the railroad tracks. And Gil, his wife, Geralyn, and their kids say they owe it all to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, more often the focus of ire in Katrina’s wake.
The tale of how a Massachusetts son hooked up with a New Orleans gal, wove their lives together amid the sun-dappled oaks of the Mississippi Gulf Coast and rode out the region’s worst hurricane to share this joyful reunion has more than a few twists and turns.
It begins nearly a decade ago when Gil and Geri met online in a Beatles chat room. Gil, who stands nearly 6 foot, 8 inches tall and was a onetime pro wrestler and soldier, was working as a computer operator in Pennsylvania. Geri lived in Waveland. Their Internet correspondence blossomed and “I got down here Dec. 23 of ’96 and never went home,” Gil says.
Things were good in the little rambler on Keller Street. Geri was employed at the medical center and Gil found a job at Wal-Mart, first helping remodel the store and then working retail.
'He almost died five times'
But five years ago, Gil needed heart surgery. Either during the 9½-hour operation or shortly after, Gil suffered a stroke that paralyzed his left side and kept him in the hospital more than six months. When he finally went home, a series of new complications struck, forcing him back to hospitals and nursing homes time and again.
“He’s almost died five times,” says Geri. “He’s been in the hospital in the last four years, in and out, in and out, close to 900 days.”
In fact, Gil, now 55, had just returned home from a hospital stay when Katrina swept across Florida and eyed the Gulf Coast.
The Bleaus packed up with daughter Lizzie, 21, and their three dogs. Helped by son Jody, 25, a Hancock County sheriff’s deputy, they fled north to a motel to ride out the storm.
When the clouds lifted, the second story of the motel was pancaked, their car had been destroyed and it was clear that the home back in Waveland would be no place for Gil, who by then needed medical care. He was taken to a hospital in Gulfport. Geri and the rest of the family camped out in the Waveland Wal-Mart parking lot and were finally given a tiny camper to put in front of their home.
Bad went to worse when the hospital managed to lose track of Gil. “It was bedlam,” says Geri, 51, tall and blonde and glowing with gratitude at all the kindnesses that have come her family’s way since the storm.
Near the beginning of that list was the effort by Internet pals to locate Gil. They tracked him to a hospital in Mobile, Ala. He was there two months when he fell seriously ill again. “An Alabama state trooper threw us in his car and we got to Mobile in less than an hour,” says Geri, recounting the harrowing 110-mph Code 3 trip. “I thought I was going to meet my maker.”
From Mobile, Gil was taken to a nursing home in Moss Point, Miss., near Pascagoula, where his recovery proceeded until he was well enough to think about returning home. Trouble was, he needed a special trailer from FEMA and a ramp to accommodate his wheelchair.
FEMA reps rated 'awesome'
Starting with the application process, FEMA representatives “have all been awesome,” Geri says. “They talk with you and they let you talk and they listen and they weren’t phony about it; they were genuinely interested.”
Geri is tired of the beating FEMA contractors are taking in some quarters. “Even if they are making big bucks, they have been living in the same conditions and it’s not pretty,” she says. “When you get down to this level, you see that they want to get it right.”
When her trailer showed up 10 days ago, Geri says, the installers worked hours into the darkness setting it up and came back the next day to make sure everything was in order. She moved in to wait for another crew to build Gil’s ramp, hopefully in time for a Christmas reunion.
Things were looking grim when Thursday “I got a knock on the door and all I heard was ‘ramp.’” The crew had arrived. “I gave him the biggest hug,” she says, her voice faltering, “and I gave the fellow with him a hug too.”
“They spent like four hours building it,” she says, now near tears, and “when they got ready to leave, they thanked me for letting them be part of his homecoming.”
In addition to wanting to stick up for the FEMA folks, Geri also wants to counter the negative comments from out-of-area observers who see Katrina victims as living high on government largesse and doing nothing to help themselves. “This was a community like the one you live in,” she says, shaking her head sadly. “Everyone worked and paid their taxes. It was a thriving community.’
And so the twisting, turning story is in the home stretch now as Geri, joined by Lizzie, clutches her cell phone and waits on the ramp for Gil, on his way to the old neighborhood in a van from the nursing home. Jody and new bride, Beth, who have their own trailer next door, stand nearby.
A stack of gifts
The ramp isn’t the only thing that’s ready for Gil. A tiny tree inside the trailer presides over a stack of gifts sent from friends and relatives far and wide. And there’s a special gift from Geri to her favorite Red Sox fan: a handsomely framed photo of Boston’s World Series ring ceremony at Fenway this past April.
The phone rings. “You’re headed down 603? How’re you feeling? A little seasick? You’re going to get a lot sick once you start looking around. … I love you. I love you. Are you really coming? Are you really there? You remember how to get home?”
They hang up with Gil promising to call once he’s in the neighborhood. The minutes tick by and Geri’s phone rings again.
“Coming across Nicholson! Approaching Spanish Trail? Boy, I feel like you are in a presidential motorcade! Two minutes? … I’m waiting for you. I’m outside. I love you.”
Finally, the bubble-top white van lumbers around the corner and there is Gil, guiding his big red motorized chair to the lift and down for hugs all around. He maneuvers the chair adroitly around a mailbox and some other items and quickly up the ramp. A problem with the direction in which the door opens is quickly overcome with a transfer to a smaller chair and FEMA representative Debbie Simon is on hand to promise the door will be switched as soon as possible.
Inside the trailer, Gil announces firmly that “I like it. ... FEMA has come through for me.” And cuddling in his lap, Geri sighs and says, “We got our Christmas wish. I just wish everyone could get theirs.”
Season’s greetings from a hurricane zone
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I liked this story very much as it shows that there is something positive going on. This is contrary to what we read that the current administration says that the media only tells the bad news. But, I understand the president does not read news. Too bad. thanks for the story.
K. Stuckey (Sent Dec 24, 2005 1:46:05 AM)
WAHOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!
Jerrie Schweizer (Sent Dec 24, 2005 3:59:50 AM)
As always in any kind of disaster, or severe need, there are people who are genuine and people who have their own agendas. FEMA like any other organization is made up of the same mix of people, ideally we'd hope they all were so helpful. It's good to read that someone got what they needed, and got it with a sense of care for humanity.
Kind of makes you feel good about (at least in this instance) where some of your tax money is going.
Alexee - Dayton, Ohio (Sent Dec 24, 2005 6:53:00 AM)
Gil, all us moosedoggers are delighted you made it home for Chritsmas.
Lizzie, please give Papa a hug from us.
Sending lots of hugs and good wishes for the best homecoming ever.
Diana UK
Diana UK (Sent Dec 24, 2005 7:29:00 AM)
We need more stories like this one. There is far too much negativism going on, both in the stories and in the responses to them. But then, this is America. Keep up the good work, Mike and John. We need to keep this area in the news for a very long time. Their need will not end next week, hopefully by next year. Merry Christmas to everyone.
Phyllis, Sacramento, CA (Sent Dec 24, 2005 8:21:07 AM)
i visited this earlier....and did'nt know what to say...but now...happiness and health to the Bleau family ...And thanks Mike for the great story
andy,ms (Sent Dec 24, 2005 8:40:06 AM)
Thank you for such a fine story. I know Geri and Gil, and the past few months have been nothing but nightmares for them. I'm glad FEMA came through for them.
Sandra, Edmond OK (Sent Dec 24, 2005 9:37:41 AM)
Knowing someone, albeit from an internet list, that has been through such horrors makes these disasters real for us, as we are all guilty of sometimes feeling that disasters happen to others in far away places.
Barbara Barganska, Bristol, United Kingdom (Sent Dec 24, 2005 10:16:49 AM)
Merry Christmas to you Geri and Gil and all of your families! What a wonderful story in such a tragic time. Cheers to the FEMA members struggling through this and MERRY CHRISTMAS to everyone.
Carol Boelee, Peachland, British Columbia Canada (Sent Dec 24, 2005 10:33:57 AM)
I have been lucky to know this family for several years now, and with all of the trials and tribulations they have gone thru, it is so good to hear a story like this just in time for the Christmas season.
Ron Chambliss, Nashville, TN (Sent Dec 24, 2005 10:36:30 AM)
Nothing warmed my heart so much as to know you are all together for Christmas...you have endured so much and are truly the strongest people I know.
Kari Olson , New Lisbon, WI (Sent Dec 24, 2005 10:43:39 AM)
Merry Christmas to Gil, Geri, Lizzie, Jody and Beth from your Canadian relatives, Liz, Dan & Yukon. Thanks so much to FEMA for reuniting our 'family'. We join all the moosedoggers in welcoming Gil back where he belongs and are so grateful that our Christmas wish has come true -- the House of Bleaus is back together! Love to all!
Liz, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada (Sent Dec 24, 2005 11:01:53 AM)
I wish more of the good stories about Katrina would be published. I'm so thankful the Bleau family are back together. God bless them and those who made it possible.
Fran Harrison, Bessemer, AL (Sent Dec 24, 2005 11:08:18 AM)
Much was said about FEMA not doing enough for the Katrina victims. But, everybody should realize that this was not your average rain storm, it was a tumultuous storm with unbelievable aftermath. Gil Bleau was just one of thousands of vistims that was blessed to have survived and FEMA came through with flying colors. The best of luck to Gil and keep up the good work FEMA.
Roland Huard, Mansfield Center, CT (Sent Dec 24, 2005 11:17:00 AM)
Mike/John, great story well told and accurate. I know, because Geri is my cousin. What was left out though is that Geri and Gil had no insurance on either the house or the van. As I write this message, Geri is trying to buy a mattress for the trailer so Gil can have a restful sleep (he could not sleep last night). Also not mentioned is Geri's daughter, Lizzie, is autistic, making Geri the primary care provider for both, without any means of transporting them to doctor's appointments, therapy, etc. If you guys could use your influence to get this message to Habitate of Humanity or the like to rebuild her house; or to a car company to replace her van that would be great. If anyone can do it, it is you guys.
Phil Facquet, Commack, New York (Sent Dec 24, 2005 11:46:35 AM)
More than a Christmas gift: This is a Christmas Miracle. Through thick and thin, good times and really bad, the House of the Bleaus has stood because it's built on love and respect for all creatures, 2-legged and 4-legged. They have practically nothing but always share what they have with anyone in need. It's wonderful to know them, and we Moosedoggers send Moose Magic for Gil's continued recovery.
Judy & Al Faro, Dallas, GA (Sent Dec 24, 2005 12:04:02 PM)
Working in Jackson County, Mississippi on ADA situations, I see similar stories every day...the most striking was a family with a 6 year old daughter in a wheelchair - the trailer had arrived but was not hooked up to power, water, or sewer - much less a ramp built for the wheelchair. It would be 30 degrees
that night.
Bechtel Lead STR Lloyd Miller came on the scene after dark, and called in a team of electricians, plumbers, and carpenters, working overtime after a 12 hour day. The teamwork was incredible, they finished the job about 11 pm, the carpenters allowing the daughter to pound in the finishing nail for her ramp, which turned out to be an extensive project by itself (due to conditions and codes)...the family was so pleased, they swore that when they rebuild their house, they will build it around that ramp.
Art Cady, Eugene, Oregon (Sent Dec 24, 2005 1:15:33 PM)
Merry Christmas Gil,Jerry,Lizzie,Jody and Beth. Like others I thought this day would never come. When I called yesterday and you told me the wonderful news I was jumping with joy for all of you. I am sorry that the story did not make TV. I had every one here and back in PA watching for you. Still, it was wonderful to see you all on my computer. Stan and I can't wait to see you all in person. We hope you all have a wonderful holiday season. Much love to all, Sis
Joan Prew, Ruskin, Florida (Sent Dec 24, 2005 1:26:24 PM)
It was great to read this heartwarming story at a time when 99% of the news is sooo negative!
Fred Kahl, Keller, Texas (Sent Dec 24, 2005 2:22:11 PM)
I am so thankful that this has happened to this couple! Just in time for Christmas! What a great story. But I guess what amazes me, is the first response by K.Stuckey! The president doesn't read the news???? Good grief! If your name was plastered negatively in the news everyday of the year would you read it??? I know I wouldn't! And where did you get that info anyway? Do you know President Bush personnally? Just wondering why we can't have a great, heart touching story about something GOOD happening without SOMEONE cutting down the president or this country! Come on people, lighen up, this is CHRISTMAS and these people deserve the happiness they got and the FEMA people that helped them deserve the "handclaps". Yes there are others who are not going to get the same, and yes, there are FEMA people who really don't care, but lets have some PEACE ON EARTH GOOD WILL TOWARD MEN this season! Let good stories like this run without cutting down the President or America! Which, by the way, could use our PRAYERS not our COMPLAINTS!
Brenda, Texas (Sent Dec 24, 2005 2:23:24 PM)
FINALLY !! Some GREAT (and POSITIVE)news reporting !!! Keep it up !! Good luck to Gil and
family ! (I would donate a few to help them with a van if I knew where to send it !!) I am also from Massachusetts transplanted to California !
Cliff Perry, Los Angeles California (Sent Dec 24, 2005 2:54:43 PM)
There are many stories like this out there. My heart goes out to all those families who have suffered by the thrones of Katrina and Rita. May God Bless them all and the Christmas Star shine down on them.
Mary Rose, Sugar Land, Texas (Sent Dec 24, 2005 3:10:31 PM)
i read the story and your plight made me cry. i am so pleased that things have worked out for all of you. GOD BLESS ALL OF YOU! I WISH FOR ALL OF YOU TO HAVE THE BEST MERRY CHRISTMAS YOU HAVE EVER HAD>
tess pearson whiteville, nc. (Sent Dec 24, 2005 3:52:13 PM)
What a wonderful story, just in time to celebrate the Christmas together, as a family should be. Too bad there are still so many without. We hope and pray that all of the survivors of the Hurricanes can get a place of their own soon, to call their home. Hopefully the repairs, cleanup, and rebuilding will be done in a timely and efficient manner for all of the residents to get back to some normalcy in their lives.
Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, Happy Kwanzaa, Happy Hanaka, and Happy every other holiday to one and all, and the best of new years for all of your dreams to come true.
If you can dream,
If you can perceive,
If you can believe,
Then you can achieve
Bless one and all- Assalamu Alaikum (means:peace be upon you)
Val, San Diego, California (Sent Dec 24, 2005 4:01:24 PM)
This is a real Christmas Story. Love, faith and hope prevails. This is the lesson of the original Christmas and it is the same message 2000 years later.
God Bless and Merry Christmas.
Med Ethier, Saratoga Springs, NY (Sent Dec 24, 2005 4:30:17 PM)
Very Merry christmas, and a happy and peacefull New Year to Gill, Gerri and to all your family.
God Bless,
Linda Middleton,Nelson,Lancashire UK (Sent Dec 24, 2005 4:31:02 PM)
THANK YOU for a POSITIVE government response story. I'm sooooo grateful for Gil and Geri that their family is back together after so much trial and heartacke. Merry Christmas to you - and to Mike and John. Thanks for your tireless work being our eyes.
Stephanie Umbro (Sent Dec 24, 2005 4:40:02 PM)
Very Nice Christmas kind of story. We in Gulf Breeze, FL know how you feel. Thanks for sharing with us.
Don B (Sent Dec 24, 2005 5:03:24 PM)
What a wonderful story. I'm sure that there are many miracles that are occurring that remain untold. It has been my experience that if we are looking for postive things that is what we find. God Bless you all.
V. Slaton (Sent Dec 24, 2005 5:23:31 PM)
I have been e-mailing some of these stories to my contacts and this is one that will get mailed tonight with a reminder to each of them to be very grateful for everything they have.
lori, huntsville, al (Sent Dec 24, 2005 5:31:20 PM)
To Geri, Gil, and their wonderful pups -- so good to hear you are getting back to "normal", especially in time for the Holiday Season. Best wishes to you -- Robyn, David, and the pups from Ziffany.
Robyn, Taylors, SC (Sent Dec 25, 2005 8:24:55 AM)
Great story and what a wonderful homecoming for one family who has been through so much! It's nice to hear positive, heart-warming stories instead of everything negative. Merry Christmas to Gil, Geri, their family and EVERYONE that helped re-unite this family.
Julie M. Florida (Sent Dec 25, 2005 9:37:34 AM)
May they and everyone have a Merry Christmas and a beautiful New Year.
Mary Williams Phoenix AZ. (Sent Dec 25, 2005 9:54:18 AM)
Thank God! A positive story on a special day. Sure FEMA has missed the mark at times and we as a people deserve better. However, FEMA is made of PEOPLE and I am confident that they want to help those in need and are doing so. Kudos to MSNBC for circulating story that seldom gets out.
Dave S. West Chester, PA (Sent Dec 25, 2005 10:00:59 AM)
Glad you made it home finally. Your sister has been very worried about her little brother.
How did you ever get such a great looking wife?? This is a different way to see your family for the first time.
Stan (Sent Dec 25, 2005 11:16:25 AM)
As a FEMA employee, I know that the majority of FEMA's employees have huge hearts and want to help despite the continued mismanagement that's going on. Thanks to the media for this story.
John (Sent Dec 25, 2005 9:30:53 PM)
As a Katrina evacuee, I also have great respect for ALL the FEMA workers who have been kind and understanding of this tragedy. Each and every person that I spoke too was professional as well as patient. I hope you guys will have a BLESS NEW YEARS and continue your strive of success!!!!
Robin, San Antonio, TX (Sent Dec 26, 2005 11:13:17 AM)
What a wonderful event! After hearing about all the behind the scenes stories from Geri about the hardships and "adventures" it is heartwarming to hear about something good finally happening. So glad you are finally together again. Greetings and congratulations from Chris, Savannah, Bergen, Bronwyn and the SRD, Copper.
Chris K; Tucson, Arizona (Sent Dec 26, 2005 11:13:58 AM)
Having been a second tier sub-contractor to FEMA for three months I really enjoyed this article. As with everything, there are good and bad people, both with the victims and with the sub-contractors; but with this incident the goodwill has been, and hopefully continues to overwhelm the bad. When there is need, mans goodness seems to bubble to the surface.
I want to thank the author for bringing us this story, and to thank the Bleaus' for their kind words.
Mike Tomlinson, Spring Hill, FL (Sent Dec 26, 2005 1:13:57 PM)
Let see if Brian Williams has something to say tonite.
He and his writers always are talking negative.
Thank you Fema for all your fine work.
Ed Perez, Norwalk,Ca.
Ed Perez (Sent Dec 26, 2005 2:20:04 PM)
Way to go "BAMA HIGHWAY PATROL" Semper FI.
C. Brewer, Florida (Sent Dec 26, 2005 2:48:14 PM)
From another Canadian Moosedogger, Merry Christmas Geri, Gill, Lizzie, Jody and Beth. All the best to you in 2006.
Marne, Langley BC Canada (Sent Dec 26, 2005 7:13:42 PM)
Hey,...Gil and Geri....HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!
andy,booneville ms. (Sent Dec 27, 2005 10:10:27 AM)
Happy Holidays! I was so glad to see this story. I knew you from Lakeshore Industries and the Waveland group home. I am so glad you are all together.
phaedra , dallas, tx (Sent Dec 27, 2005 10:37:54 AM)
A sweet, wonderfully well-written story, the kind that yanks your emotional chain. All the best to the Bleau family; I hope there are many good days ahead for them.
Michael St. James (Sent Dec 27, 2005 5:02:35 PM)
Val, i wish you would stop sending some kind of weirdo blessings ....to Mississippians!!!...are you an isurgent????....hope not
andy,booneville ms. (Sent Dec 27, 2005 9:16:34 PM)
I must say that this hurricane has been a very awakening experience for me. I am only 25 years old and this is the first major hurricane I have ever been through (we are about an hour and a half from the MS Gulf Coast). Nonetheless, I was a newleywed (of only 2 months) when this tragedy occured. My husband and I were spared but several of my close family were not. It's a shame it takes something like this for most people to realize what their priorities should be!!! I am one of those people that felt guilt (and still feel it) because I survived with no loss of any kind. TO SAY THE LEAST, I AM NOT BRAGGING....but it's never a reality until you live it. Recently my husband and I took a ride to the Gulf Coast and could not believe our eyes!!! I would have to say that you don't truely get the full affect until you live it and see it first hand. Back to the story, it's very good to hear that someone so very needy gets what they have coming to them. I wish this family and all others feeling the pain of Katrina the very best for the New Year!
Jennifer, Hattiesburg Mississippi (Sent Dec 28, 2005 11:17:35 PM)
Geri, Gil & the 4 legged kids,
I'm so happy for you that FEMA came thru and Gil is back home! What a great story!
I'm so fortunate that our friends Brian & Dana Knesal (from Seattle) made the trip to your house to take pictures of the devastation to show what it's really like. Words just can't describe the devastation, but the pictures sure did.
MERRY CHRISTMAS to the Bleau family.
Bob & Debbie Martinsen and our 3 Moosedogs, Seattle, WA (Sent Dec 29, 2005 1:28:09 AM)
Wow what a story, and could not be at a better time, it does my heart good to see this story, as I feel too many people have lost the true meaning of Christmas and this is what is should be about. I am so happy for you all that you were able to bring the family back together and at such a special time. I too, feel like FEMA has really gotten a bad rap, I know they have been working very hard, long hours, and were doing as much as they could and can. I am sure there are many things they do and will continue to do and could not be possible without them. Reading a story such as this sure makes one count their blessings for what they have, to see a family overcome all they have, God Bless you all and may the New Year bring you better times.
Starr E. San Antonio TX (Sent Dec 29, 2005 11:43:09 AM)
Hi everyone..it's me, geri bleau..the mama of the house of bleaus! I wanted to take a moment to thank John and Mike for documenting one of the happiest days of our lives..you know, since we lost everything in the storm, pics and movies included..it means a lot that we can "see" the Yank's homecoming, and even better,share it with people who seem to care! I think we are all searching for the good in life, and in our case, we are lucky enough to know that the good in life in right here, in our front yard, and in places like Jerry West's heart. You see....Waveland may be down, but never,ever out. This is the kind of place you want to raise your children. Jerry's mom, Connie, has been my role model ever since our Lizzie was diagnosed with autism. Instead of dwelling what Jerry couldn't do...Connie stubbornly ferreted out what Jerry COULD do...and the rest, as they sasy,is history! It all came to a beautiful moment in Waveland history three years ago...when Lizzie and Jerry were honored. You see, the Waveland Civic Association has a St Patrick's Day Ball and Parade, and it is a great honor to be chosen a maid, and the greatest honor of all is to be the Grand Marshal (a man) and the Colleen, who reigns as a "queen". That special year, Jerry was the Grand Marshal, and our Lizzie was a maid. I will never ever forget the night of the Ball. We were sitting backstage, waiting for the presentation of the court, and Jerry was a nervous wreck. He sat with me and Lizzie and he chattered nervously. I finally told him "Jerry, these people are ALL heere because they love YOU..and they want to honor you. He gave me that famous Jerry-grin...the one with the twinkling eyes...and when he went out to meet his crowd, you could feel the warmth, all the way to the LA MS state line and back! Lizzie's brother, Jody, proudly escorted his sister, and when she was announced, the entire room of people stood and applauded her. This wqas the proudest moment of our lives! Never before had a handicapped person served on the Irish Court, and this year they had two of the best! Sadly, all pictures and movies of the event are gone forever..but no one can take away that memory fromme...it's in my heart forever...just like it is in Connie's. What made it even more special was the Colleen's kindnesses toward Lizzie...she made sure that Lizzie was involved in each and every aspect of the ball,parade and parties..which added even more to the wonder of it all!
So, you see...a city that opens their hearts to "special people" is a city that is far too special to "die".
Hey Jerry...let Lizzie and me know when you're ready to go gig some flounders buddy!!
As for all of you who wrote and were so kind to share in our happiness..I thank you on behalf of my family. The Yank is having a little trouble adjusting to Life in a FEMA Trailer..but with a lot of laughter, a lot of prayer,and a lot of love...we'll get thru this just like we've gotten thru all the other Bad Things....together. After all..we ARE The House of Bleaus, Waveland!!!
Happy New Year each and every one of you reading this!
geralyn bleau (Sent Jan 1, 2006 12:15:55 AM)
Geralyn, ma'am...our hearts and minds ...are with ALL of ya'll.....HELLO 2006!!!!
andy,ms (Sent Jan 2, 2006 9:18:27 AM)
I try to limit my crying times now but reading what Geralyn has written used up about two weeks worth of tears. Waveland is dear to me for many reasons but one of the really big, special things is - the dog that saved us when our house burned to the ground in '03 was adopted from the animal shelter in Waveland. I also remember how each Easter the Friends of the Animal Shelter in Hancock County would put on a fund raiser called Paws on Parade, all the people and their companion animals would walk from the beach down Coleman Ave. to the Park. I met so many truly kind, nice people at events like this that was sponsered by Waveland. All this will come back because of the people and their attitude.
shena, pass christian (Sent Jan 2, 2006 4:22:39 PM)
Hello Geri and Gil!!!!! This is Linda. Just happened to see your story. So glad to hear about more friends. How can I get in touch with you? Or call the rectory and get my number. God Bless!
Linda, Bay St. Louis, now Diamondhead (Sent Jan 2, 2006 11:31:58 PM)
What a wonderful Christmas ending to a tragedy that had so many twists and turns. As one of the moosedoggers who was kept abreast of Geri's and Gil's plight, I'm so glad that there is a happy ending to this story. Thanks for letting it be written and circulated. May the coming year be one of health and goodwill for the Bleaus, two-legged and four-legged.
Patricia Harrington, Tacoma, WA (Sent Jan 3, 2006 1:18:48 PM)
I love yall! A wonderful Christmas miracle couldnt have happened to a better family! I have to visit you guys soon! Im so glad things are getting better with you! I miss yall too much! Let me know if you need anything at all!
Katy B., BSL/Diamondhead, MS (Sent Jan 3, 2006 1:54:50 PM)
Hello Geri, I am so pleased with your story and Gil's improvement. I was at the Ramada with you during the hurricane. I was the one that brought Beth's parents to your room when they came to find her after hearing that there were fatalities at the hotel. Good luck and God bless.
Paula Martin (Sent Jan 3, 2006 7:05:13 PM)
Hey Ms. Geri! It's been a long time since those good 'ol St. Clare days. This is a great story. I loved your statement that a city that opens its heart to special people is a city that is far too special to die. Even though I'm living in Gulfport, it is still too far from home, good ol' Waveland. Can't wait to move back home! God bless and good luck.
Ellen Felder (Sent Jan 4, 2006 3:51:40 PM)
Gosh, I am so sorry that I read this Blog SO late! I really can NOT contribute to the wonderful responce from so many REAL Americans. I do feel confident that FEMA did all that the State and Local Government allowed it to do! My heart goes out to those who suffered, But My hope is that they, as many others, do their best to PUT IT back together. We don't NEED nor YOU a "chocolate" city. We need Americans helping each other to put it together!
Swede1
Swede1, Boise, Id (Sent Feb 11, 2006 12:09:35 AM)
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