To My Fellow BT'rs, I am writing you this as I have not been online for a few days, due to IKE and my daughter living on Galveston Island.

The last few days have been so emotional, scary, and the feeling of being utterly powerless to protect my child was unbelievable to put into words.

As IKE drew near, Galveston had voluntary evacuations, but I knew it would not be a good place for her to be, so I made plans for her to stay in a hotel for three days to wait it out by Hobby Airport. Thought I had it covered. With IKE a day away, IKE decided to come for a dead eye hit on Galveston/Houston and she would need to be inland more than that. They made mandatory evacuations at same time, and this is where things really got scary. All Hotels were booked, took us over two hours of online searching to find a hotel for her on the West side of Houston. Please note that she did have her Marine boyfriend, Nick with her and that gave me some kind of peace knowing he was with her. She battled traffic to get out of Houston and finally made it to her new home for the next few days.

We had them stock up on what food the stores had left, bread, milk were sold out lots of places. They managed to get some food items that would not spoil, 2 cases of water ect. for a few days supply.

IKE hit strong and furious around 12am in their area, sheet metal flying about, building pieces airborne, they put one of the bed mattresses to cover their window to protect things from flying in. They were put on the lower floor of a two story building. Powerful winds of 100mph, gusting to 125 at times barreled down on their area. Loud popping noises were heard all night. Power went out at 1am.

Next day, after daylight, they waited till winds went down to a decent mph, that they could go outside and see how things were outside. Their hotel lost 5 windows, and when they looked outside in the parking lot, every vehicle had their back windows blown out from Ike. My daughter's car also had another window blown out, car flooded with water. Nick had lost the back window of his truck. Parts of the building next them were missing.

Tiffany still had cell phone battery power and we were able to talk. I was so thankful she made it through the worst part, the back end was still hammering Houston from Ike. Told the kids to hunker down in the hotel and be safe. They were pretty shaken up by all the devastation, my heart was so heavy with sadness for all. Being a mom, it is so very hard to not be able to make it better for your child in these kind of situations. No power, wind and rain, flying debris, low food supplies, worry is just one word for what I was feeling for them.

I know I had mentioned this before when Gustuv hit close to Texas that Pat and Jim Eggler, fellow bt'rs had offered my daughter their home if Tiffany needed it here on BT. I was very touched by their kind offer at that time and Pat and Jim Eggler once again offered their home to Tiffany for Ike. We had been talking a few days ahead of Ike and really bonded through this whole tragedy. They lived almost an hour more inland than Tiffany and Nick were located. Pat told me they had lost power too, but their power returned by noon the day Ike hit. They made it through Ike with little damage, thank goodness. I was glad to hear from Pat that day that they were safe and o.k. at the time.

Now, here is where BT family power comes to play. The winds had died down to a decent mph, and Pat told me again that Tiffany and Nick would be welcome at their home for as long as need be. I had explained their situation, blown out windows in their vehicles, little food left and at this point after having the kids in a hotel for three days, I would take them up on their offer. I called Tiffany and told her to go over to their home and by 5pm last night, they were safe and secure at the Eggler house.

I cannot put into words how grateful I am for what they have done for my daughter and Nick. None of them knew each other, but they took the kids in and treated them like their own. I slept for the first time in two days last night and finally was able to eat today as nerves can really do a number to your body.

When Tiffany and Nick arrived, Jim Eggler had plastic waiting and he and Nick put plastic on all the broken windows of both vehicles till they can get them to a shop, whenever they open again, to be repaired. They had dinner waiting for them, electricity was very welcome as they had been without it for quite a while. Tonight, they had a really big home cooked meal with chicken and all the fixings, cornbread, they sure are taking wonderful care of the kids. I have tears in my eyes for all they have done for them. I will never be able to repay them for what they have done. They are two very special BT Guardian Angels and I am so glad to know them.

I want to also note that Gregg and I had only met Pat and Jim once this last trip for a very short time on Bonaire as we were all on island at the same time. They hardly knew us, except from BT, yet they took Tiffany and Nick in at a time of need. Now, that is the TRUE POWER OF BT. Thank you from the bottom of my heart, Pat and Jim! You rock!

There is still a lot of unknowns out there with Ike damage. Galveston Island is still blocked off from the public, don't know what damage is done to Tiffany's apartment, if anything can be saved if damaged, all her classes have been canceled for rest of week at Texas A&M. They may have to have classes resume at College Station, but the University is waiting to hear from the city when power, water and such will be restored. Tiffany may have to move to College Station, meaning finding a new place to stay there till Galveston gets things together, who knows, they say in a few more days they will know better. At this point, we are taking it one day at a time. Lots of debris, no water, no electric on island at this time. They were still rescuing hundreds and hundreds of people today that refused to leave the island.

The silver lining to all this is that Tiffany and Nick are safe due to the kindness of Jim and Pat Eggler. That is all that matters. We should know more by week's end about her apartment and if we need to move her to College Station. That is two hours away from Galveston, I think. Not sure. Not going to worry about that as that might not happen. They are really working hard on restoring the electricity and water to the island.

I know lots of you have emailed me and called. I am sorry to not returned those calls or emails as of yet. This is the first time I have been on BT for the last few days.

BT is amazing and I am very happy and proud to be a small part of this wonderful family. WE all have had our share of bad as of late, and we all may be getting more bad, but there is still a lot of good out there and I had to share with you all my story. I am going back to watching the live feeds on Ike and what is going on.

I've been lurking all day, but had to comment through my tears. BT is absolutely amazing! I'm glad that everyone came out of this unscathed. Just think of the stories the kids will have to tell if they ever get married. (We knew we were meant to be when we made it through a hurricane together!) Thanks to the Egglers for taking them in!

thoughts and prayers answered.. thank you for sharing your story with us "Things can be replaced but people can't..." thank you Pat and Jim for being BT angels.. I love this community with all my heart.. Thank you so much...

Debbie,
Thanks for updating us on Tiffany and Nick! I cannot imagine the fear and devastation they felt and saw!
BIG thanks go out to the Eggler's for opening their hearts and home to your family in this time of need. BT does rock.

I pray that Tiffany's apartment will be OK and that things will quickly get back to some form of normalcy.

My largest vendor is in Houston so I know tomorrow I will hear from many of my contacts there. Anxious to hear of their experiences and that they are all OK. Nature's fury is a scary thing.

Prayers for you and Gregg that you get some good rest knowing that Tiff and Nick are safe.

Debbie.....my heart goes out to you, Gregg, Tiffany & Nick and to The Eggler's for opening up their home to them. I know your emotions have been in high gear not being there & not knowing what will happen next. Our BT Guardian Angels came through.....again...so much to be thankful for. I hope and pray others were as fortunate as Tiffany & Nick!
I, too, love BT and am honored to be a part of it.
Hugs to you, my BT sister and hugs to Pat & Jim Eggler, Tiffany & Nick.
Thank you
Judy & Les

Jim and Pat Eggler...you are true BT Angels...oh..my...I know that a lot of folks don't like BT...but when the chips are down...BT'ers stick together and take care of their own...I am so PROUD to be part of the BT family.

Debbie, I'm so glad you got some sleep, and again...Pat and Jim...wow...angel's will smile upon you...i am speechless...

Yup, BT's the dangedest thing. I'm trying to remember what Pegi Sue said....something about how she was just playing around on the computer and ended with family....something like that.

Glad the kids are fine. GOOD luck with the next steps.

Egglers, let me buy you a beer(whatever) if we ever get to meet....

Wow.

Wow.

Wow.

I am so happy that Tiffany and Nick are safe and that you were sent some angels to help out!!

Ditto

Ditto

Ditto

What Eileen said.

The interesting thing (to me) is I'm not surprised. It just seems to be the way BT works, someone's in trouble, someone (or everyone) helps. It's not by design but that is the way it works. I think the biggest problem is getting people to ask for help. People are not only willing but want to help and this goes to the gratitude side. Gratitude is nice, but pay it forward is better.

Oh Debbie...thank goodness...I have thought of you all weekend and have been praying for your family. I am SOOOOO relieved to hear all is well. BT does rock and I am so honored to say I am part of this wonderful family.
I agree with Cecil...we all pay it forward and it becomes a big circle of love...

Debbie, I know a little of how you've been feeling, my niece is in Houston and was undergoing the same torment. She was pretty freaked out with her first hurricane experience too. Her apartment is on the second floor and she kept insisting to her Dad , it was going to blow away. Fortunately, she was wrong and now she's dealing with the "normal" issues of the hurricane aftermath. Don't know when we'll hear from her next; cell phone is dead and doesn't have power.

All of us here in Ohio went through some terrific winds yesterday and in Columbus, 220,000 of us are without power. I don't at home but do at work. Our power company had to recall workers from the hurricane relief to get us back up and running. They're saying it could be 5-7 days for some people to get power back.

Didn't mean to hijack, just want you to know, you're not alone. Hope all of our "kids" are safe and get through this experience with just a few emotional bruises and no physical ones!

Debbie, you make us feel like we have wings!! We are a Mom & Dad that are doing what we would hope someone would do for our kids in a desperate situation. We were very blessed with very little damage, just a lot of clean up. Tiffany & Nick have been perfect guests & very grateful. Our 4 year old grandson has fun with her,he is staying with us until they get electricity, he can't understand not having lights & Sponge Bob. Everyone please remember all the people that did lose so much & are doing without things we take for granted, food, ice, water & shelter. It will take years for things to be repaired & rebuilt. The media leaves & move on to other news & people forget.We have friends in Louisiana that lost power during Gustav & will not get it back until Oct. It is also difficult to get supplies & people to do repairs when there is so much devastation. On The TV they are showing people lined up or a mile to get ice & water. The temperature is in the sixties instead of ninies, good for the two million that are without elect.,clean up & relief workers. So far things are going as well as can be expected, lots of people helping each other, stores & gas stations opening & restocking.

Debbie, thank you so much for updating. I too, have been on edge with worry.
Ike turned into so much more than expected.
Pat and Jim, I'm sure that you are just doing what comes most naturally for you but you still deserve a huge BT hug for stepping forward to help where you could.
Judy - we'll keep the prayers and good thoughts that your daughter will be able to pick up the pieces relatively easily.
So let's have a BT group hug.... for all of us

Debbie, all is good.

Please, no group hugs, it makes me all warm and fuzzy.

Thank you Pat & Jim. It is an honor to call you BT family. Thank you Debbie for letting us know as I have been worried about TIffany and worried about you as well.

Thank you Pat for reminding us - clean up goes on much longer than the reports.

Special place this BT thing...

Special indeed!

Thanks for updating us, Debbie. We've been with you in thought.

Thank you Pat and Jim, for just being who you are!

I've been looking for an update for days now. I'm so glad all is well with your daughter. My fam in North Houston are still without power but everyone is well. Thanks for keeping us all up to date and big big thanks to Pat and Jim for showing there true BT and Texas Pride. HUG HUG HUG to all

Thanks for all the BT hugs & kind words!! Debbie, sorry about circumstances , but I also feel I have a new BFF. Someday we'll have a beer on Bonaire and say " remember when..."
If anyone knows someone that we can contact for you or needs help in Houston area send us an email.

Yeah for the BTer's helping one and all!

Just a idea for all that have cell phones.....from experience in Upsate New York.
Chances are in all these storms your cell phone will keep working but then the battery dies.
1. Get a solar charger for your cell phone. they work great and you know sooner then later the sun will come out. Actually, mine charges when its pretty cloudy out. Works GREAT on Bonaire!
2. Get a charger for your car.

Pat, Me too!

Sue, Great idea on the solar charger. Didn't know they had them. Will have to goggle them.

hers the place I got my charger from
www.solarstyle.com

OK, I've had to keep wiping my eyes to read this!!! I'm so glad that Tiffany and Nick are ok!!! How absolutely wonderful are Pat and Jim?! I know you, Debbie, were a wreck about this, and to have someone come thru like this, HEAVEN SENT!!!
Yes, Pat and Jim, you should be able to feel those wings now...

I'm so sorry for all that are going thru these hard times and this devastation. I hope that everyone has angels like we have here on BT!!!
AND YES, when I found this place I found family, I found friends. Just an amazing bunch of people here!!!

Debbie, thank you for the update and I'm so glad that they are OK!!!!!

To everyone else, THANK YOU FOR BEING HERE!!!
I love you all!

You all know I have said it already a few times, BT is something special.
I've bin around but when I stumbled on this board I sensed there was something special about it. In the passed months I came to recognize the "Divine Touch" this Cyber Family has.

For me "Home" was always something abstract. I could not link it to a place because like my parents house is a home but not mine. I still have to abide by my parents rules. As we were always moving around, I did not attache to one city although I do have my favorites but that has also (in my opinion) nothing to do with home. The closest I came was "There where I feel able to be myself"
It wasn't until I went "MIA" for a couple of days and on my return Jerry (Yes, him) welcomed me back with: "Welcome home Bette", I realized that I had friends here whom (for the most part) I have never met in the "Flesh" but are able to genuinely care with a magnitude that reaches way beyond the ordinary and I find that utterly amazing.

Debbie, I am so glad your kids are safe. Being a mom myself I could so feel your worry.

There is no such thing as coincidence, so now you know why you've met Pat and Jim back then on Bonaire

Pat and Jim, you've earned your wings

debbie
so glad to hear kids are ok. thank u pat and jim. what a gracious thing to do. if anything ever happens in ca my doors will be open.
es

I don't often post as I really don't have much to say it's stories like this that makes me read BT everyday with my morning coffee. This really is the greatest internet community I have ever come across. Kudos to Pat & Jim. Our thoughts are with everyone facing Ike's fury.