Aaron's

Return from Katrina

Heading back from Mississippi until finally sleeping at home in Mandeville, I relearned some basic principles over those several days. Foremost, people are generally kind. Strangers in the towns along the way were extremely polite and friendly, despite the desperate shortage of gas and food, not at all like exemplified in the movies. We also wonder about the role of the Southern personality of hospitality.

Friends in Baton Rouge welcomed us along with their other displaced family members and friends, and never complained when eight of us had to share one bathroom. Two of our friends drove 60 miles to come help us clear trees from around our home. According to neighbors, a church group, whom we never met, saw, or even got to thank, came by and cleared our enormous pine tree that was blocking the street in front of our house.

Early on I rethought the value of food. It was no longer about wanting or desiring, but needing and living. Since the storm I have been more respectful of my body through diet.

Finally, I was reminded of the virtue of patience. Especially when the tables turned and we had to care for a disabled aunt for 10 weeks.

I've since heard that people could take two routes after a disaster like this. I am glad to say that mine was of discovery and renewal.