Hurricane Katrina - This Time It's Personal - Page 3

As we finally let go, I reminded her to leave the email address. When I returned to work a few days later, I found she had left it in my mailbox, crammed seven pieces of paper with it through the slots on my locker, and had posted it in big, bold letters on the bulletin board. I laughed my ass off. It was so "her."

It was only a day or two later when I hurt my back. After my trip to the emergency department, I didn't even think to go back to my unit to get anything. I was in too much pain. The few times I stopped in after doctor appointments, I thought only of getting home, applying heat, and taking a pain pill.

Needless to say, Jamie and I had fallen out of touch because her email address was sitting at work in my mailbox. Tonight, I kick myself for allowing that to happen. I feel like I missed 6+ months of telling my friend how grateful I was for her mentoring and friendship, how much I respected and admired her. And now, the opportunity is lost.

My friend Jamie was one of Katrina's victims.

To all the rescue workers, doctors, and nurses who have had to remain on the scene in the Gulf Coast, thank you. To all relief workers headed out there to help, thank you. And please, be safe.

Please take a moment to dig through the cushions on the sofa or under the seats in the car. Gather up all that change and donate to the relief effort.

Article Author: Joan Hunt

Former Baywatch babe, Playboy centerfold, and stunt double for Abe Vigoda, Managing Editor of Blogcritics and member of the board of directors for BLUSD, Joanie juggles her love of words, music, photography, wildlife, and television with her greatest love -- her kids. …

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