Katrina one year ago

[30A Skunkape]

Today marks one year since Katrina hit the gulf coast. I guess today is kind of like a JFK or 9/11 moment to me in that I will always remember what I was doing at the time. I was in Georgia desperately trying to get a signal on the radio from WWL in New Orleans. Through the static I heard that everybody thought the storm had passed without much problem. Then people began to call in several hours after the storm had past and said water was rising in their yards, questioning how this could be happening. Then the rumors about the levees breaking started, but there was no way to confirm this happened. And finally waking up the next day to see the first sickening view from a helicopter of the broken levees and rooftops sticking out of the water like alligators. Then came the survivor's guilt of not being in the city working among my peers who no doubt were suffering. Being camped in front of the TV and internet hoping to get some info on whether or not your house survived sucks. I hope nobody has to face what we went through, and I am thankful I didn't suffer nearly as terribly as many. Whatever you do today, take a minute to be thankful for what you have and keep in mind those who lost so much.

 

[DD]

Skunk: I will for sure do that. After driving through NOLA and Miss. coast (Gulfport) last week, I was glad I saw it, kinda really puts things in perspective. My prayers continue to be with all the victims.

 

[Allifunn]

Skunk: I will for sure do that. After driving through NOLA and Miss. coast (Gulfport) last week, I was glad I saw it, kinda really puts things in perspective. My prayers continue to be with all the victims.

South Florida was still devastated one year after Andrew! A hurricane is a powerful reminder that nature can give and can take away. Charleston was torn up by Hugo, but the hurricane was not as strong as Katrina, thus the town recovered quickly.
I know for a fact that there is still salvage work going on in NOLA and surrounding areas...so sad to know that people have had to live with these conditions..... and continue to live this way.

 

[steele mama]

Today marks one year since Katrina hit the gulf coast. I guess today is kind of like a JFK or 9/11 moment to me in that I will always remember what I was doing at the time. I was in Georgia desperately trying to get a signal on the radio from WWL in New Orleans. Through the static I heard that everybody thought the storm had passed without much problem. Then people began to call in several hours after the storm had past and said water was rising in their yards, questioning how this could be happening. Then the rumors about the levees breaking started, but there was no way to confirm this happened. And finally waking up the next day to see the first sickening view from a helicopter of the broken levees and rooftops sticking out of the water like alligators. Then came the survivor's guilt of not being in the city working among my peers who no doubt were suffering. Being camped in front of the TV and internet hoping to get some info on whether or not your house survived sucks. I hope nobody has to face what we went through, and I am thankful I didn't suffer nearly as terribly as many. Whatever you do today, take a minute to be thankful for what you have and keep in mind those who lost so much.

So skunk, when did you return home and what did you find? So sorry for what you and all your "friends" went through. Can't really imagine and it is good for us all to be reminded!

 

[Ocean Lover]

Even though we've seen so much devastation on tv and have met families that have relocated up here, I could never imagine how awful it all really was. Whenever I'm reminded of Katrina, I say a prayer for all those affected.

 

[Smiling JOe]

I tried to forget Katrina, as they were having all of these memorial stories on the news lately, and Trop Storm Ernesto was pointing directly at us. The Katrina stories made me sick with just the thought of watching one of them, which I could not bring myself to do.

Time can heal many things, including New Orleans, but some people will be forever changed, regardless. Maybe Katrina was a reminder to us all to be thankful for the little things which we have, as well as the important things, like life, food, shelter, clothing, love, family, friends, and the kindness of strangers.

Seeing the last minute growth of Katrina, and change of course, it woke me up a little bit, and may make me think somewhat differently when the next storm enters the Gulf.

 

[Kimmifunn]

Did you see Brian Williams' Dateline special last night? It was horrible. I had forgotten how glued to the TV we all were. That was right when I had moved back to NY. We all just sat at watched like we did on 9/11.

 

[Cil]

 

[kathydwells]

30A Skunkape, I have been thinking about this all day. It is a powerful reminder to us all to be thankful everyday for what we have. I hear people here at my work complaining all the time about their jobs, and how they hate it and blah, blah, blah. I quickly point out to them that they should be very thankful they have a job to go to, and that they have a home and so on, and so on. I am thankful that you are ok. I am thankful that New Orleans, a city that I have loved a long time will someday heal. I am thankful that someday Biloxi, Gulfport, and the rest of the Gulf Coast that was devistated will someday heal. I will forever remember those that lost their lives, homes, families. It was a sad, sad day.

 

[Teresa]

thanks skunk for this thread. Hurricane Katrina was unlike any other natural disaster in this country. so much wide-spread destruction, and so many social and other issues were revealed. I heard a report on NPR this morning giving stats on restored power in the area of NO, schools opened, restaurants and hotels opened, etc. there is still so much recovery yet to do. I have complete faith in the people of NO. it may never be the same, but it will remain one of the most unique and interesting and wonderful places in the US. can't wait to visit again.