It is almost impossible for me to watch the news these days. The footage of the flooding in the Midwest produces an almost visceral reaction in me. My chest gets heavy and I get cold; clammy, really and I feel wet. My heart actually aches. The levee breaks are no surprise. Almost every state in the US has levees along some river designed by the Army Corps of Engineers.

And some where near the end of the piece, they always bring up the American Red Cross and that produces a swell of anger. Just today on the news, it was reported that they had collected hundreds of items meant for Katrina victims, but gave them to some other group. I really need to work through this resentment.

My heart, thoughts and prayers go out to all peoples affected by the flooding. Lives lost, homes damaged, families struggling to put their lives back together. My thoughts turn to them several times a day and their long road ahead, struggling with the enormity of damaged homes and livelihoods. As if that was not enough, FEMA will step in. A new and improved FEMA, but the FEMA just the same.  Bless you all, may you have great strength in the days in front of you, fueled by hope for a better tomorrow.

And while I'm here, let me say goodbye to my Sunday morning friend, Tim Russert. You'll be sorely missed.