How to word an email to my missing recommender?

[teethwax]

One of my recommenders said she was very excited to hear I was applying to grad school, and that she would be happy to help, but asked if I would write her a letter draft because she was so busy. (She said she typically refuses all LOR requests because of her schedule.) I thanked her and said yes, but since sending the letter draft (on Nov 2) I haven't heard anything, and my online apps show that she hasn't started the process. My first deadline is Dec 1 and I would like to write an email to make sure she's still willing to do it, but I'm not sure how to word the email. (I don't have her phone number; she much prefers to communicate through email.)

The major thing is that she lives in the New York area and I have no idea whether/how affected she was by Hurricane Sandy. I want to let her know that it's fine if she can no longer do it, but am not sure of the best way to put that. Any general tips on how to gently prod her would also be great -- if she doesn't want to do it anymore, I just want to know that so I have time to find somebody else, but I would really prefer to have a LOR from her than a backup person.

[ridofme]

Option 1, don't mention storm:

Hi Professor X,

I hope this email finds you well.

I just wanted to check in to make sure that you got the draft I sent on November 2nd and remind you that my first application deadline is coming up on December 1st. Please let me know if there's anything else I can do to make this easier for you.

Thank you again for agreeing to write me a letter of recommendation - it really means a lot to me.

Sincerely,

teethwax

Option 2, mention storm:

Hi Professor X,

I hope that this email finds you well. I know that a lot of people in New York have been badly affected by the storm, so I just wanted to check in to make sure you [and your family?] are OK and that you are still able to write me a letter of recommendation. Please let me know as soon as possible, as my first deadline is coming up on December 1st.

Thank you, and please let me know if there's anything else I can do.

Sincerely,

teethwax