I know there are numerous Texas D.A.s and staff with ties to the devastated areas along the Gulf Coast. I've met many prosecutors and investigators who have roots in Mississippi, Louisiana and Alabama -- many of my own family members in Gulfport and the nearby towns have not been heard from since Katrina ravaged Mississippi, and the first urge is to get over there to help. But we're told more people would only add to the difficulties experienced over there.

It's tragedies like this though, that graphically illustrate the brevity and frailty of the human experience and that any of us could be exposed to such overwhelming forces and life-altering circumstances at any time. And, these tragedies also bring out the best in people who never knew they had what we call grit. I firmly believe in the days and months ahead we'll witness people of integrity and high character rising from the rubble, making good out of great loss and raising hope from the pit of despair.

To my friends who have suffered loss directly or indirectly as a result of hurricane Katrina, I know I'm not alone in offering my thoughts and sincerest prayers for your comfort and peace and a firm belief that God will provide the way and the strength to rise up and rebuild.

Those prayers also should be extended to the police, national guardsmen and women, engineers and other domestic heroes responsible for trying to save and/or rebuild from scratch the infrastructure of the Gulf coast in three states -- including a major city. I doubt that I am alone, but I feel a strong sense of need to do something -- anything -- helpful. Unfortunately, I'm a lawyer who doesn't have much in the way of what some might call "real life" skills. But we do network as well as anyone. That network should buzz with any opportunities to help, from contributing money and supplies to organizations such as the Red Cross to contributions of time and expertise as they may be useful. I hope we continue to discuss those opportunities here and at any gathering of TDCAA members in the future. It is only by a twist of meteorological fate (in the form of a low pressure trough over East Texas) that it was not our own coast that was ravaged.

The Harris County DA's office is gathering supplies for the thousands of folks on their way from New Orleans to Houston. The Houston Bar Association is leading one effort, and anybody anywhere can help. Just go to www.hba.org, and click on the "Hurricane Relief Efforts" button for several ways to pitch in.

We at TDCAA are already planning to ship clothing, shoes, bedding, and other necessities to help these survivors. Please consider doing the same! As Governor Perry said, it was only by the grace of God that it wasn't us ravaged by this storm.

Anybody who wants to donate gift cards (to Target, pharmacies, gas stations, etc.) can send them here:

Theresa Cousins
Fairmont Park Baptist Church
10401 Belfast Rd.
La Porte, TX 77571

Many folks on their way into Texas from Louisiana are stopping at this church for food, and church workers are sending them on their way with a gift card. Many refugees are short on cash, and their credit cards are nearing their limits. Gift cards are a good medium of exchange for them.