TheBanyanTree: Hurricane Charley observations

[NancyIee at aol.com]

Roberds Arena area in Sarasota was once home to the circus and county fairs, 
as well as a ton of other celebrations and events.  Roberds Arena  now has 
another use.

The floor of the large convention building now houses 200 or more very 
elderly, ailing patients who were moved from all the surrounding nursing homes 
without power or water, gathered in this central location. Some half dozen doctors 
and 75 or so nurses were reassigned form all parts of the state to come and 
tend these most fragile of our citizens.

Most have dementia or Altzheimers. Some are psysically fragile, Some are both.

Imagine, 200 folks in the last period of their lives, being displaced, 
confused, afraid, and looked after by people they do not know. Some have families 
that came to care for them. Most have no one.

The cry went out for volunteers to help, and so many came to assist whereever 
their talents were best used. Doctors and nurses came from all over to help 
out on their days off or after their own shifts elsewhere. Still, until the 
nursing homes have recovered utility services and any damage has been repaired, 
these sad people will be looked after by strangers, in a strange place.

There were many victims of Charley. But, these seemed, somehow, the most 
needy.

Some time this week, another 75 or so will be brought in, mainly children.

Thank God for all those who volunteer to help those is such dire need.

NancyLee