Topic : 12/14 Dr. Phil and Robin's Holiday Extravaganza

I was so excited today waiting to watch Dr. Phil with all his special guests and can't hardly wait for tomorrows show.  In 1985 September I was in Gulfport, MS and was in a hurricane and I thought it was bad, but after seeing Katrina, the one I was in was nothing.  I don't even want to imagine someone coming to my home and telling me to leave.  I cried just listening to the stories the families shared with everyone. 

I love watching your show.  I don't get to watch every day due to my work schedule but when I am on days off no one interupts my time with you and your wife on TV!  I so get into each topic that is discussed on the show. 

The name of the song that Smashmouth sang today on the show is "Rockstar" and I agree with Dr. Phil, it is a very good song to share with the young ones.   

Thank you, Dr. Phil & Robin, for showing that the people affected by Katrina & her aftermath haven't been forgotten. 

I was born & raised in New Orleans, in the house that my daddy & grandpa built in Lakeview.  The 17th Street canal levee was my backyard, literally.  We played on it as kids, oblivious to the danger that lurked there.  2 of my sisters also bought houses on the same street, & I bought a house about a mile away.  When Katrina threatened, we evacuated to central Mississippi, thinking that we'd be back after a few days.  NO ONE had ANY idea that it would end up like this.  We lost our homes, jobs, schools.  My special needs son lost access his caregiver & therapists.  We lost our way of life.  And, I lost my hometown.  Unless you go to New Orleans & see it yourself, you can't even begin to imagine the ENORMITY of the devastation.  Pictures don't even come close... 

I realize that the focus has been on New Orleans, but so much of the Gulf Coast was devastated.  The pain felt in Mississippi & Alabama is just as horrific as in Louisiana, & my heart goes out to those folks.   So much was lost, so much... 

But, we consider ourselves blessed.  We all made it out alive.  Our extended family has taken us in while we rebuild our lives.  We're starting new jobs & new schools, & we'll land on our feet.  I only hope that my beloved New Orleans will land on her feet, too.  (If you've never visited NO, you've truly missed something special.  That city had so much personality & culture & character, you'd swear she had a pulse...) 

Bless you, Dr. Phil & Robin, for continuing to come to the aid of those affected, from the victims & first responders to those who opened their hearts & homes during this heartbreaking time.  The recovery process is going to take years - I'll humbly ask, please don't forget us.  We need & deeply appreciate your help. 

Signed,  

I know what it means to miss New Orleans 

1. I love shows like this where people who have a lot give to others.  I just wish it was not a once a year thing.  The only thing that got me to thinking was when Dr. Phil asked, "Don't you just love Christmas?"  I would have to say no.  I absolutely hate Christmas because it is a glaring example of how I am working as hard as I can and still cannot afford to buy my kids Christmas presents.  It hurts  my heart every year when my kids tell me what their friends got for Christmas and the only thing I can give them is paid rent or heat.  I have come to dread this whole season, from September, when they start putting out Christmas merchandise, to a week after New Year's.   My kids watch shows like Dr. Phil and Oprah where some mom will get like a car or something because she overcame drug abuse or a drinking problem.  My daughter told me once that maybe I should start drinking so that I can be addicted so I can get treatment and help.  I am trying to teach my kids that working hard is the only way to succeed but I am afraid they will only see what we don't have instead of what we do have, which is a lot of love, a roof over our head, a job.  Anyway, I love to see shows where moms who work as hard as I do get recognized for the work they do.  God Bless you Dr. Phil, for giving me  hope for the future and human kindness.
2.  
3. Paula