Am I missing something here? You say you missed work and want compensated, then later you say you work from home. Why couldn't you work from home that day? I do hate when companies don't show up when they are supposed to and you can probably file a complaint with your state's public utility commission. I also don't think your family is in danger because you dont' have a phone. I imagine there is a neighbor close by with phone service. count your blessings. I live in PA and have no heat this weekend because of a problem with my heating system and an out of stock part. It is currently 30 degrees outside. We aren't going to die or be endangered by this. Leave the drama out of your letter, it does you no good.