August 28, 2009 (four years since Katrina), Fort Worth, Tx., 6:26 p.m., D.S.T.~

Howdy!  Sheniqua Williams here.  Thought I'd update y'all on some things, in addition to sharing my memories of Katrina, which happened four years ago, believe it or not.

Katrina was a bi*** with a capital B.  She stole my home, my life, just nearly everything, when I was living in Mississippi.  It is only by God's sovereign grace that I survived; however, four years later, as the Anniversary looms (four years ago tomorrow), I am once again faced with the nightmares, the memories.

I was in my home when the winds ripped it apart.  Some rescue people found me several days later.  I had terrible injuries:  a shattered pelvis.  Broken legs.  Broken hips.  I was doing good in my recovery when infection set in; I ended up having to have one of my legs amputated, just above the knee.  And it was all because of Katrina.

I ended up having to learn to walk again:  first on a walker, then crutches, then on my own.  It was not easy.  I had a very hard time, especially when my stump pained me; I was suffering from what is known as "phantom pain"; even though my leg was gone, my brain was still sending messages to my stump, making me believe my leg was still attached. 

At times I still have this pain; thankfully the pain's lessened considerably (or maybe I just got used to it). 

I still have my bad days, where I feel sorry for myself because of my disability; it's only natural.  Now is such a time, as I remember Katrina and what she did to the Gulf Coast.  It's going to take years for the Gulf Coast to rebuild back to her former glory.

I no longer live in Dallas, as you know from my previous entry, which was back in May.  I live in Fort Worth now.  I have a job; I have my own boutique, where I do people's hair.  I love it.  I also am engaged; I am still with my boyfriend, Cordavius Milsap.  (We plan on getting married in the spring of 2010.)

I loved Dallas, don't get me wrong; it's just the crime rate was so bad, I feared for my safety, so I left.  Fort Worth is a lot better; however, the north side is something left to be desired.  I avoid that area at all costs unless someone's with me, particularly at night.  And besides, if anyone does bother me, I can smack 'em one, right in the puss, with my crutch!  LOL  (Or I can be really "daring" and take off my prosthetic leg and do a li'l dance on their pointed li'l heads!  LOL)

I will be flyin' to Mississippi within the next few hours; I will be there to attend a memorial service for the victims of Katrina.  It will be a time of sadness and reflection; it will be very hard for me.  I will also be going to New Orleans, Louisiana, on Monday, for another memorial service for the people over there.  Then I will fly home on Monday or Tuesday, dependin' on how things go.

I am not looking forward to it, but I was invited, so I have no choice but to go.  I will have to pray for extra strength to get me through the next several days; I am going to need it, believe you me!

Well, I have to leave for the airport; pray I get to Biloxi (and then New Orleans) safely.  I will write in here again, probably when I get back.  Until then, this is Sheniqua Williams saying so long!

~Sheniqua.  :(