The devastation, chaos, and tragedy that followed Hurricanes Katrina, Rita, and Wilma stretched far beyond the Gulf Coast. The destruction shattered hearts around the nation, including ours. Perhaps no sight was more wrenching, than those of the elderly who were too frail and too poor to evacuate ahead of the storm. Our worst fears were confirmed when we learned of the tragic deaths of nursing home patients who were trapped. The number of those who died waiting for rescue, food, water and life-sustaining drugs, we perhaps will never know. Just as tragic, were the deaths of 24 nursing home patients who lost their lives when their bus caught fire during the evacuation of Hurricane Rita. To the families of those who were lost, or who lost everything, we extend our most heartfelt sympathy.

Hurricane Katrina brought with her one of the worst natural calamities in our history. Rita and Wilma extended the watery misery. But those calamities are vividly teaching our nation the importance of keeping the Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security safety nets in sound repair. We have also learned the best safety net of all is the one made up of the millions of ordinary Americans who contribute their dollars, energy and time to help others.

The hurricanes remind us that life is a very precious and fleeting gift. And it is the spontaneous acts of kindness, and generosity of others that make life worth starting over one more time. Like so many other Americans, TSCL contributed to help the hurricane victims and donated $10,000 to the TREA Memorial Fund-Katrina Fund.

At this Thanksgiving season TSCL Board of Trustees and Staff give thanks for that precious gift of life, and to all who make it possible for us to work on your behalf and to share with those in need.

November 2005