It's the thought that counts.
Our clothes arrived today. My suitcase full - packed with some of our favorite apparel and hidden in the attic from potential looters. My brothers went back to our house and got it out. For us. Our clothes.
When we left, ~K~, the dog and I, we had only the what we were wearing. And the life jackets. Even the dog had one of those. By the next day we were literally a sweaty, dirty mess.
One gentleman, as we sat on the interstate waiting for a helicopter, another evacuee, generously gave ~K~ a t-shirt out of his bag to cover her legs to protect her from the sun. The bus driver on the way to Florida, passed out clothing he brought from his own closet. Shoes included. Surprisingly, thankfully, he had a black pullover shirt that pleased ~K~ to no end.
I also truly appreciated the clothing given to us at the Red Cross Shelter in Florida - the nightgown and underwear in particular. And the donated clothes at the health center here in Texas - the nice shirts that actually fit. We also happily picked up some clearance bargains at the local Wal-mart, such as shorts and more underwear. And the really pretty items that a neighbor generously passed my way - I've worn the dress around the house just to feel attractive again. And we were especially thrilled at the clothing relief package sent by KTG back in Looziana. Stuff that may actually be "too hot", too "big city" for this little Texas town. But I'm wearing it anyway.
It's not what we would normally wear. Not what we might actually choose to wear if choices were available. But when it came to leaving the house, clothing was low on the list of priorities. Dog food, house papers, and water were more important. So we came away with nothing to wear but the shirts on our backs.
And we thankfully, gratefully accepted the clean, dry items. And we are proudly wearing them. And we will continue to do so. Even if they are not quite our style or taste. They are a badge of honor. A daily symbol of the kindness, the goodness, the generosity of people, friends and strangers. Some who practically gave us the shirts off their backs.
I am forever in your debt.
When we left, ~K~, the dog and I, we had only the what we were wearing. And the life jackets. Even the dog had one of those. By the next day we were literally a sweaty, dirty mess.
One gentleman, as we sat on the interstate waiting for a helicopter, another evacuee, generously gave ~K~ a t-shirt out of his bag to cover her legs to protect her from the sun. The bus driver on the way to Florida, passed out clothing he brought from his own closet. Shoes included. Surprisingly, thankfully, he had a black pullover shirt that pleased ~K~ to no end.
I also truly appreciated the clothing given to us at the Red Cross Shelter in Florida - the nightgown and underwear in particular. And the donated clothes at the health center here in Texas - the nice shirts that actually fit. We also happily picked up some clearance bargains at the local Wal-mart, such as shorts and more underwear. And the really pretty items that a neighbor generously passed my way - I've worn the dress around the house just to feel attractive again. And we were especially thrilled at the clothing relief package sent by KTG back in Looziana. Stuff that may actually be "too hot", too "big city" for this little Texas town. But I'm wearing it anyway.
It's not what we would normally wear. Not what we might actually choose to wear if choices were available. But when it came to leaving the house, clothing was low on the list of priorities. Dog food, house papers, and water were more important. So we came away with nothing to wear but the shirts on our backs.
And we thankfully, gratefully accepted the clean, dry items. And we are proudly wearing them. And we will continue to do so. Even if they are not quite our style or taste. They are a badge of honor. A daily symbol of the kindness, the goodness, the generosity of people, friends and strangers. Some who practically gave us the shirts off their backs.
I am forever in your debt.
posted by Queen of the Universe @ 11:51 AM
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