Got power, got heat, got the family back in the house. Thanks to everyone who prayed for us, shared positive thoughts, and gave us encouragement.
My town, however, is still in terrible shape. The devastation will linger for months and years. All the sand that has been taken from the streets is being piled up by huge machinery to one hundred foot high mountains. The garbage of people's entire households being thrown out on the sidewalk is heartbreaking. Many folks may have power but their boilers have been destroyed by the salt water during the flood, and must wait weeks for replacements.
Today was the first day back to school and barely half of my son's fifth grade classmates have returned. I estimate that more than half the homes in my town are still vacant.
Keep the once-mighty Long Beach in your prayers....