the "katrina look" explained

[marathoner452]

I have that "katrina look" today. Let me tell you why.

A guy came up to the truck looking pretty worn out. I asked him if he was okay and he proceeded to tell me how he'd stepped on something hard this morning. It had a leash attached to it. 6 months ago, it was his dog.

A mother and daughter come up to the truck. It was the first time they'd been back to see their house (or what was left of it), and they had also come to bury the mother's sister. Not sure if the death was recent or if they'd just found the body in their house. I didn't want to ask.

We also found a bunch of houses in the middle of the road, pushed at least a lot off their foundations. Several of them completely blocked the street.

I think the weather today was freaking the clients out. All that wind reminded them just a little too much of Katrina.

~~~~~~~~~

On the plus side, we gave a bunch of meals out to spring breakers and Americorps NCCC people. They're awesome, out there gutting houses in the heat of the day. So selfless. I also flirted with the clients by offering them (hershey) kisses.

The coolest moment of the day had to be telling a client that they reminded me of the song "Wind beneath my wings," which we'd just heard on the radio. They are our heros, out there rebuilding their lives and living day to day, like we are theirs for taking care of them however we can.

~Bethany

Comments

[roadwarrior220.livejournal.com]

And while the work you're doing is exhausting and emotionally draining, you're helping so many people out there in so many ways. :-) I know they'll never forget you for it.

question

[nonpartisan1984.livejournal.com]

Something I didn't ask you yesterday: do I have your permission to direct these people from these websites to your LJ so they can follow along with your experiences? I think it would really drum up some support for helping these people. I realize this is your personal space, so I wanted to ask before doing so.

Re: question

[marathoner452.livejournal.com]

I wouldn't mind that at all, and thanks for asking. Whatever I can do to help these wonderful people.

~Bethany

Re: question

[nonpartisan1984.livejournal.com]

One more thing: people are going to want to know what they can do to help. What should I tell them? Send them to the Red Cross fundraising page?

Re: question

[marathoner452.livejournal.com]

Send them to the Red Cross home page. That has info on volunteering, donations, etc. I can compile a list of relief organizations too, but that'll have to wait until I get back because this new hotel doesn't have internet in the rooms. And half the lights don't work. And there's no fan in the bathroom. And no jacuzzi, and it was under 4 feet of water after Katrina so the mold is awful and the crudt is coming back.

But who am I to complain when I spend all day working with people who lost everything?

~Bethany