Image used from Google
4 years ago today we sat in our hotel room and prayed as Katrina did her worst to the Gulf Coast. Our lives dramatically changed. Many lives were lost. Homes were destroyed and the media referred to us as refugees. Refugees?
I hadn't even noticed the date sneaking up on me, but my subconscious did. I had been feeling so down, but now I know why. The things we saw and heard can never be erased from our memories. But on the positive side we eventually (3 days after Katrina hit) were removed from New Orleans. Texas became my safe haven and has been so for 4 years. I love New Orleans, but Katrina did a number on my heart. I can't live there, but I visit and the visits have become easier over the years.
On this day, 4 years ago lives were changed, lost and even destroyed. I have been blessed to rebuild my life, but there are many who still can't. One day I will share our complete story here. Even after four years it is still hard to go back in my mind and recall the events. I wouldn't wish them on anyone.
I'm grateful to be alive. I'm grateful to be safe. I'm grateful that within a few days my heart will be at ease again. Until then, I have the right to grieve. I grieve for everyone who passed during and after. I grieve for my sister and everyone who lost their homes. I grieve for those who are still struggling to rebuild and for those who CAN'T. I grieve for those who are so traumatized the very thought of living in the place they adore paralyzes them (me included). This was an extreme and traumatic event, but this too shall pass.
Bare with me. Weeping may endure for the night, but Joy comes in the morning time.
Amen Sister big *sign* me too, big {hugs} to my lil sister I know and feel what you are going through. I too felt I needed to post and recognize the pain I was feeling too. For the loss of my grandmother and so many other lives, the inhumanity in New Orleans! The devastation of my entire Mississippi coastline, the fact we still have people living in tents..four years later inexcusable..! love you girl, dar
ReplyDeleteOh, Dear One...
ReplyDeleteI can't imagine. I can't. And, I'll be there to hear your story when it's ready to be told.
From here we did what we could be sending what was a significant sum of money to the Red Cross. It was very hard for us, but we felt as though we had to do something...anything to try and help.
But, money can never replace what has been lost emotionally and spiritually. And, I have no answer for that.
Great Post Tabby!
ReplyDeleteThis was a devastating time in every area of every ones life. I'm glad that you and your family are OK, but the hurt will forever live in all our hearts. We are all God's children and I pray that he gives us all comfort during this time that we remember Katrina, Tabby.
Just last night I was watching the documentary that Spike Lee put together about Katrina and I tell you this...it still hurts! Even though I wasn't there I still feel the pain for my fellow Americans.
You are right....Weeping may endure for the night but JOY comes in the morning!
May God fall down upon you this Tabby with his Love and Grace Tabby!
~ Hugs~ little potty mom....lol Hope I made you smile with that potty moma!!!!!! :)
I can't imagine what you must have gone through but I'm glad you had the fortitude to rebuild your life...my thoughts go out to those who are still struggling.
ReplyDeleteI know, Tabby, I know. I had moved from Louisiana but many of my people were still there, all my memories were there, that's for sure...now, gone. The schools I attended...neighborhoods I ran thru...stores I admired...my pecan land, the satsuma grove, nothin' but MUD down there where lives and shotgun houses and little piers had been...it is a FREAKISH feeling, I don't know how the people who actually lived thru it can not go bonkers when they think about it, it was terrible from a distance, must have been sheer horror to be present when it happened. I hope you will tell your story more fully some day...I wish all the K survivors would, especially I wish they'd make books out of the memories of BEFORE, little tales of how it was BEFORE...
ReplyDeleteTabitha,
ReplyDeleteI can't imagine. I can't imagine how difficult this must have been. What I can imagine is how God's love shined down, even in those dark days. And how it continues to shine. You, my friend, are a wonderful soul...
Out of that devastation four years ago, comes your dear and joy-filled spirit. I am so glad God brought me into connection with you.
ReplyDeleteI just can't imagine...
ReplyDelete(((HUGS))) Tabitha
ReplyDeleteI, too, am grateful you are safe. Grateful you are thriving; even when you grieve.
ReplyDeleteIt's always good when God gives us the image of what is causing our mood or trial. Keep trusting and looking in Him, girl. You shout is already on it's way!
ReplyDeleteI recently watched a spike lee documentary about katrina, and her awful legacy.
ReplyDeleteI mourn for all of katrina's victims ~ the people of New Orleans ~ whose national government shamefully failed to serve and protect them. I cannot tell you the feelings I felt as they showed ... things too unspeakable to recount here.
And, I will never forget watching coverage of Katrina on BBC (4 years ago) and the feeling I felt as I watched a BBC TV crew rescue some people stranded and alone ...
I didn't realize that you and your family survived Katrina. First of all, I'm so glad you did and have rebuilt your life. You've done so gracefully and in a way that serves the world. You're an inspiration to me every day, Tabitha.
ReplyDeleteI pray for everyone who is struck by tragedy - whether Katrina, or tragedies in their hearts or minds.
Thank you for giving me a reason to stop today and think/pray for everyone in the world who needs - as you have here on your site - an uplifting whisper.
Blessing & love to you always.
Tabitha...my heart goes out to you and so does a long distance hug!
ReplyDelete