General Discussion

Until the crisis is over. My parents literally were on the last flight into New Orleans heading home when Katrina hit. My brother was law enforcement and stayed in Bay St Louis as Katrina came ashore. My aunt in Gulfport refused to evacuate (she stayed with a neighbor in the second floor). In the days following, I stayed calm, knowing I could do nothing and panicking would not help and I would not think the worst until I heard they were harmed. Five days after the storm, I found out they were all safe and then I fell apart.

Helene is different. Maybe because I am older or maybe wiser. My niece in Asheville lost everything. She won’t leave because too many of her neighbors have even less. My niece, a doctor who lives in Lenoir, was in the mountains providing medical supplies and care to the very poor. We don’t know exactly where she was when the storm hit. She has made this trip monthly for six years. Her cell phone doesn’t even connect. Her husband has tried to get into the area but roads are closed.