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Frank "Nelson" Carver, Jr. always knew his daughter Joni was an angel. After he and his wife Joan, grandmother Millie, great-aunt Katherine, daughter, Robyn with her husband Woody and her two children Justine and Joshua evacuated their homes in St. Bernard's Parish, Louisiana, Joni didn't hesitate to make room in her home.
"We evacuated Sunday morning and Katrina hit Monday morning," said Carver of his hometown of Chalmette, Louisiana. "We're not allowed back in yet, but we will eventually go back and recover whatever we can."
Joni Baudoin, along with her husband Roland and their 2-year-old son, Roland Jr., wouldn't have wanted it any other way and found room in their FishHawk Ranch home to accommodate the additional eight family members ages 2 - 94.
"A lot of our friends have been great helping us out with clothes and supplies," she said.
For now, Carver can only imagine what remains of his home. Before they left, his wife Joan took great strides in protecting their family photos by placing them in plastic bins secured in duct tape.
"We placed the bins in high places hoping the flood waters wouldn't touch them," said Carver, a retired U.S. Army Colonel who has lived in St. Bernard Parish for more than 27 years. "The area went through a traumatic experience and we are going to have to deal with water damage, mold and contamination. Thousands of homes will have to be destroyed since most had water up or over the rooftop."
For now, Carver and his entire family are making the best of what they have, and are thankful that all their family members are safe. Since they may be in the Lithia area for several months or more, the Carvers’ wish list has one item that would provide a bit of normalcy back into their life, the opportunity to rent a home or apartment. If anyone has any rental information, please call 681-3581.
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