Saturday, September 06, 2008

Running a long race

Back home, power on, minor damage to the house and yard. We didn't have Internet, so I haven't been able to post an update for a few days.

In New Orleans, Hurricane Gustav will not be remembered for doing billions in physical damage. The majority of my friends and neighbors will remember Gustav for leaving everyone's nerves frayed. Indeed, some have already proclaimed they will not evacuate again.

I've collected a few of the reactions from friends which I think paint the picture well.

"House is a wreck, but I'm comfy and wired now, and oddly exhausted. I think my airplane rubber band unwound. Pent up survival adrenaline all left me in a rush."

"[Road Home] gave all us employees an emergency number on a laminated card to put in with our ID badges. Yer supposed to call it to find out about work. They said they'd have it going, no matter what. Of course, it doesn't work."

"After cleaning up shards, branches and debris off the gallery just now, I started crying. When [my husband] asked me why, I said I feel like I just got done running a long race and don't know if I have to run another one."

"I am soooo tired. I too just wander around the house and don't see any point in doing anything. Depression I guess but in reality, there really is no point in cleaning the house if I have to leave again in 4 days."

Goodbye, Gustav. Hello, Ike.

3 comments:

CathyW said...

I was thinking of you the whole time. I have your blog linked to mine because what happened in New Orleans was so sad...but I didn't have to live through it like you. You are so remarkably resilient and your blog is just brilliant. Gustav was mean. Just plain mean. Haven't you guys suffered enough? I was thinking of you last week and I shall continue to think of you. I hope my little bit of care will help you keep strong.

Laurie said...

This year has been especially nerve racking. Now, Ike. UGH.

Anonymous said...

I traveled to New Orleans a little over a year ago and really enjoyed it. It was very enjoyable to puruse the streets and shops, and eat the wonderful food. And I was glad to see that post-Katrina New Orleans was in relatively good shape. There's more work to be done, but much progress has been made.