Louisiana Sandusky reflects on the destruction and despair that Hurricane Katrina left on the Gulf Coast states; she went to help out with recovery efforts, and what she saw, experienced, smelled will remain imprinted on her memory forever.
Image (C) 2009, Karla Dorman.
Four years. Can you believe it's been that long since Katrina?
What lessons have we gleaned from the disaster? What has happened to those who survived the disaster: is there any chance of them returning home to the land they loved, flourished on? Are those cities, areas who were so affected being rebuilt to their former glory?
What must those who survived (some with just the clothes on their backs as they fled) be thinking? What is going through their minds? How are they coping with the news reports of the Big Storm, only to be haunted by memories once again?
I wonder.
I went down to Mississippi shortly after Katrina had roared ashore; what I saw/smelled/heard will be imprinted on my memory forever. It was because of Katrina that I met people like Maria Jones. Sheniqua Williams. Katrina Delchamps-Hammer. Shakespeare Jackson. Audrey Jackson-Callaway. Too many to mention; however, all bound together by one name: Katrina.
If it wasn't for Katrina, I wouldn't have met these beautiful people or befriended them.
We still keep in close contact as we write to each other, even call, to check on how they are doing. Most are doing as best as they can; others, not so good; their futures are still in doubt as I write this.
I often wonder if any of the above people will return back to their homes.
I highly doubt that. I am sure most have had enough of hurricanes to last them the rest of their lives. Hurricanes are nothing to mess with.
I know.
Been in plenty of them myself, or the remnants of. I went through Andrew in 1992 (myself and my family were in Louisiana when it struck). I went through Camille when I was a wee babe. Don't remember that, but I've heard stories, seen films, on what she did to Louisiana and Mississippi. I also went to the Texas Gulf Coast (Galveston) after Ike blew through. More destruction, more despair, more memories that will last a lifetime.
Which is one of the main reasons I came to Tennessee. I didn't want to face another full-blown hurricane ever again.
Now as the four-year-anniversary of Katrina came, I continue to reflect, pause, remember, pray. Pray for those who were affected and pray that God blesses them and their lives. Tears prick my eyes and a lump forms in my throat and chest as I recall the images I saw when helping out with relief efforts, trying to help the victims get back on their feet, given the circumstances they were facing.
Even though I haven't seen most in several years, I still lift those people I met up in prayer, and there isn't a day where I don't think of them or what they are doing with their lives. They have become a part of my circle of friends; I've come to care for each one of them very much; they live in my heart.
All I can do is continue to pray for them and call them once in a while, or write to them, just to let them know I still care for them, and keep in touch.
May God bless those along the Gulf Coast as they once again remember Katrina and what she did to change lives forever!
Too many to mention; however, all bound together by one name: Katrina.
... this line really struck me, Karen. Our lives ARE indeed, many, but the reality is that we can be bound together by only those things powerful enough to unite: love and hate; war and natural disasters that claim the lives of thousands yet bond together the few. Our little lives grow to epic proportions when facing adversity or shrink to nothing when the pace of modern-day living depletes us to a number. Of course, the opposite is also true: we can be a number equally in a war-game, but when nature strikes, suddenly kindness and compassion wears a human face and its victims likewise. My silence stands solemnly alongside you in this. We must never forget and strive to ensure that such measures are taken as to prevent like disasters recurring. Tragic in the extreme. xx
I went down to Mississippi shortly after Katrina had roared ashore; what I saw/smelled/heard will be imprinted on my memory forever.
As did I, and although I only experienced the aftermath, my memories will never fade; I can only imagine the utter horror both man and beast endured during the storm.
Four years ... has it been that long? The repercussions from Katrina are still radiating outward, being felt ... an excellent write of reflection, Karen, very well penned.
Explore the mystery of how nature makes unexpected gifts of creative wonders to an unsuspecting caregiver one late night and early morning in southeastern Georgia, USA.
A book of nature inspired poems and essays, written from the heart and soul of a life-long nature, animal, and wilderness lover, and dedicated to today’s children - Earth's only hope for a better tomorrow.
This book won 'The Poetry Category'
Explore the mystery of how nature makes unexpected gifts of creative wonders to an unsuspecting caregiver one late night and early morning in southeastern Georgia, USA.
