Something for survivor to laugh about

Jeanne Valescot's recent journey to Haiti did not have many light moments.

She'd gone there to bury a grandfather, only to get caught in the horrific earthquake Jan. 12 that killed more than 100,000 of her former countrymen.

The Bradenton woman spent two day helping family and friends make it through the overwhelming ordeal.

She had nothing to eat.

Bottled water and salted crackers were it.

Valescot said she was too busy to have an appetite.

When her hunger finally hit her she was at the airport awaiting passage aboard a military transport back to Florida Jan. 15. American military personnel were handing out infamous MREs -- meals ready to eat.

"I had a piece of chicken or ... I don't know what it was," Valescot said.

She laughed long and loud at the recollection.

It had to feel good.