Hurricane Katrina devastates Pascagoula, MS

Subject: family survived at south Williams St. Pascagoula
Date: Thu, 01 Sep 2005 19:11:49 -0700
From: 	Glenda & Vic Sims 

We just heard news that our loved ones on the south end of Williams St in 
Pascagoula survived their stay in the house.  The house was half block north 
of Washington Ave - very near Beach Blvd.  It suffered 5 feet of water, as 
did the north-side neighbor.  They have water (not drinkable) - but no phone 
or electricity.  We were contacted with the news by a good samaritan with a 
borrowed out-of-town cell phone.  This person relayed to us that I-10 and 
Hwy 90 were both open from Mobile into Pasc.  And the major streets into 
Pasc are open.  We hope that this news brings hope to others.

Glenda & Vic Sims

-------- Original Message --------
Subject: 	THEY'RE ALIVE!!!
Date: 	Thu, 01 Sep 2005 20:57:12 -0400
From: 	Laura Sims
To: 	bob.sims


You can breathe now.  They're okay.
 
Mom just called.  Mrs. Westmoreland drove to Pasc. from Birmingham today. 
Mom talked with Eliz. and Elnora.  Said that the grandparents are frail, 
but okay. A good samaritan went to Biloxi to check out Eliz. house, and 
it's in good condition, no flooding thanks to being on a hill.  One tree 
down on a corner of a house, I think she said. 
 
Williams St. place had about 29 inches of water.  They just sat in the living
room in the water to wait out the storm.
 
Eliz. is taking grandparents to her place tonight to sleep in comfort at her 
place.  Tomorrow Elton is driving down to take the grandparents back to his 
place.
 
They're okay!  Mom had to say it a few times before I understood what she was
talking about.  Mom-n-dad haven't figured out when they are going down, maybe
in a few weeks.
 
Thank God!  I love you so much, Bob.  I am so incredibly thankful that they are
okay, and Jack still has such a large extended family.
 
xoxo,
 
Laura Sims

"In Jackson County, mandatory evacuations were invoked at 8 a.m. Sunday
for all areas south of U.S. 90 and in the Flood A zone and all low-lying
areas. Darryl Goldmen, radio emergency community coordinator at county
emergency management in Pascagoula, said all areas south of I-10 are
"highly recommended" for evacuation."

This may help a little... I was able
to talk with U. David on Monday morning at 6:50 their time (on Williams
St.).  I could hear Aunt E. talking in the background telling U. David what
to say.  He sounded good but concerned.  A branch was down in the driveway,
but no other damage.  A funny: I had to remind him who I was.. "I'm Bob's
wife, Laura".  We both chuckled a little, which is funny in itself, hearing
U. David chuckle.  It was pretty early to call, but I figured they would be
up anyway.  Plus I was afraid the phone lines might go out.