9/07/2005

Neighbors

What can I say? Like most Americans, I had never really got to know my neighbors with the exception of Jerry who lives across the street from me. That all changed after Hurricane Katrina. There are no strangers after a horrendous event like Hurricane Katrina. When I arrived back to my house Monday 8/29/05, I cried for 5 minutes because it was still standing. Then I went inside to check on all the pets and they were shook up but ok. The phone worked long enough for me to check on my son, who was staying with his father. I had to hear his voice and started crying again when he started talking on the phone.

After that, I went next door to check on my neighbors who stayed and made sure they were ok. They ran out of gas, so I took Myra with me when I made ice runs and she helped with water because they had a purifier. When the Seabee base opened up again and they were able to get gas, she would pick up ice for me.

My neighbor Jerry is amazing. Two of my trees had snapped in half and he got his tractor out and pulled them down and put them in the debris pile for me. Since he didn't have running water, I told him anytime he needed water for camper in order to take showers to just run his hose across and he did. He also helped all the other neighbors clear off their properties.

Myra didn't have enough candles so I gave her half of mine and we both would give each other different supplies when we could.

Since there was no lights for ten days, we all looked out for one another. If there were any strangers in the neighborhood, they were watched by many eyes until they passed on. We did not have any trouble with looters or gas stealers in our neighborhood. We became a community and helped and reached out to one another, even if it was providing batteries, information, ice, or water. I am proud to say that no one in my neighborhood lacked for anything.

7 Comments:

Anonymous Anonymous said...

Your post shows that the America I believe in still exists. This is about the country and the neighborhood that I grew up in and still cherish. Thank you for sharing.

5:23 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Seawitch,

I echo sk's sentiments whole-heartedly.

Living so far away from this tragedy it is hard to contemplate the magnitude...

Yet for all of this you show me the goodnes of humanity that can triumph amidst such deprivation.

Thank you for that. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your community.

7:16 AM  
Blogger Deadman said...

Same her, Patrick. My neighbors keep to themselves, but I know if the chips were down it wuld be like Karen's neighborhood.

8:41 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Seawitch, with all of the emphasis on New Orleans, your location completely slipped my mind. You are in my prayers. What can we do for you?

5:39 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hi bob,

You're in Texas? Ya'll are doing such a great job with the survivors from New Orleans. I think it's wonderful how everyone is helping those who had to flee their drowning city.

6:09 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Yes, I'm from Texas. I am proud of the heart that our state has shown. When I was in Houston last weekend, for a meeting, nothing extremely noble, it was heartening to see the signs that said, "10% discount with LA. Driver's licence" "40% discount with LA Driver's Licence" Lots of people in Houston offering extra discounts. Sure, the business helped them, but I have never found anything wrong with enlightened self-interest.

We were asked to take about 3000 evacuees in Corpus Christi, but the number that have come is smaller. It occurred to someone that cities on the Gulf may not be the best place to bring evacuees during the hurricane season. We are ready, willing and able to help if needed, though.

6:22 PM  
Blogger Esther said...

We has something sort of similar after the Northridge earthquake. People who normally would never speak to you were asking how you're doing, offering their tales, etc. Not exactly the same....but a similar thread. Keep taking care of each other.

10:25 PM  

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