Letters of thanks...

When I read the article in the Times-Picayune, May 9, 2006, about OPR, I was moved to tears. With great gratitude and awe, I read what you are doing to help restore not only the photos but the hope and spirit of so many who lost so much. I did not lose any of my things, but I have such compassion for those who did. My heart is still broken for the city I lived in for 41 years and the individuals whom I know and don't know. Your compassion and your talent touches me. Thanks so very much for your healing work. --Susan

"I'm writing this note on behalf of my mother...She is pleased with the excellent work done on her photos. It's meant so much to her to have someone to care for all of us in this area. From the dozens of albums of pictures we had before the storm, the very few we found meant even more to us. Thank you and may God bless you for starting and continuing a wonderful organization". --Marion M. and Allie C. from Bay St. Louis, MS

"Dear Volunteers,

First I must apologize for taking so long to respond to your gift of the photo of my late husband. It seems I have been constantly on the move.  When I was in Pass Christian I was very impressed with the generosity of the volunteers. Thank you all  so much...
Many thanks for your help (maybe I'll have a wall of my own one of these days) and God Bless all of you who have given so much".

--Joan B from SugarLand, Texas

"Dear All You Wonderful People, I received my photos this week. You guys did a wonderful job. Thank you, thank you, thank you. I'm afraid Pass Christian looks much like it did when you were there. The only help is from wonderful people like you. Although, I was an amateur photographer in the "Pass", I can't seem to get motivated any more, without the beautiful water and sun rises and sets. I was able to save some of my shots. I will be permanently located in Poplarville, MS, since there is nothing left of my neighborhood. Thank you again for your expertise and help in restoring my photos".

--Mary V. from Poplarville, MS

"I can not begin to explain the joy I felt when I opened the letter containing my restored photos. Operation Photo Rescue is a wonderful program. My eternal gratitude is due to all those involved in making the program available.

I am forever grateful". --Brooke E. from Houston Texas

Words are inadequate to express the joy you and the other members of Photo Rescue brought to so many of us on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Since dawn on August 30, 2005 when I first saw what six feet of water did to my home, I vowed to reclaim something everyday. Family and friends have sent duplicates of photographs but of course, there were many, many that only we had. Even though, there were probably hundreds that I threw away, there were some I could not bear to lose no matter how damaged. Thank you for the wonderful gift you have given to all of us. I eagerly await each of my four batches coming home! Sincerely, Hope H. PS I was the one who brought the kneeling pads for those scanning the photographs.

"Gentlemen: I have just received the restored pictures you mailed to my son-in-law, Guy C. These photos were all I could find in the muddy flood from Katrina that destroyed my home and took away my memories. I am very grateful for your not only restoring my photos but my memories as well.

God Bless you, David A... Please forgive handwriting, I am going blind."

"Dear Sirs: I just received the copy of the photo of my parents and I'm thrilled with the result. It is amazing what can be done with a "hundred year old" photo. Your inquiry as to our well being is appreciated. Our home received minimal damage and (though expensive) was cleared up quickly.

Again, I thank you..." --Evelyn V. Metairie, LA

"Operation Photo Rescue, I think it's a wonderful thing you all are doing...Thanks and keep up the good work".

--John A Pass Christian, MS

Dear Operation Photo Rescue, "This is a wonderful thing you are doing for people. I can't tell you how happy and surprised I was to receive my granddaughter's photos. To tell you the truth, I was ecstatic! I immediately phone my daughter, Christie, to inform her after receiving them. We moved from the coast but still have the FEMA trailer and our mail is still coming to the damaged house. We miss our friends and lifestyle in Pass Christian, but we are thankful for our blessings.

Thanks again. Love, Carolyn M." Pass Christian, MS

I just wanted ot let you know how much your work was appreciated. My 80 year old aunt lost everything in Katrina and is currently living in a home. You were able to restore 2 of her most treasured pictures. They arrived in the mail on her birthday. What a wonderful gift. Thanks you so very much.

Sincerely, Natalie C. for Andree L. Metairie, Louisiana