Brian Mollere describes the eerie scene in Waveland immediately after the hurricane, when he was apparently the only person alive in the vast pile of rubble.
WAVELAND, Miss. -- Brian Mollere is tired of being a hurricane celebrity, so much so that he’s considering what would have been unthinkable just a few weeks ago: Getting out of town and away from the vast debris field that surrounds him in what was downtown Waveland.
The 50-year-old Mollere owes his fame to national media reports on his harrowing survival when he was caught up in the 30-plus-foot storm surge that smashed his town into kindling. In addition to saving his own life with a desperate swim to safety, he managed to keep his mother’s Chihuahua, Rocky, tucked in the crook of his arm the whole time.
"I was picked up by a 40-foot wave and pushed 800, 900 feet," he recalled, gently rocking on an old wooden chair salvaged from the towering debris piles nearby. "It just wasn’t my time to go. It was a ride I’ll never forget though. It’s like some of these surfers look for the perfect wave, well I had one, in a sense. But it wasn’t the type I was looking for." (Click here to hear Mollere describe his ordeal.)
Mollere, who before the storm worked in real estate and marine construction, recounts his brush with death with the dazed delivery of a shell-shocked combat veteran, and his tone doesn’t change when he describes the death of his 80-year-old mother, Jane.
He recalls sending her to stay with family members in a Bay St. Louis house that was five feet higher than her home in Waveland and presumably safer.
"I put her in the car, and I said ‘Mom, I’ll probably never see you again,’ because I used to joke around with her all the time," he said.
After his narrow escape, Mollere hiked three miles to Bay St. Louis only to learn that his mother had drowned when she was unable to escape as the house was demolished by the same wave that nearly took his life.
He then hiked back to the site where her home had stood, atop the family-run hardware store across from the flattened Waveland City Hall, gathered a few items from the wreckage and set up his camp. For the first three days, he saw no one.
"I would wake up and look around and it was like your whole world was gone," he recalled. "It was like being on a bombed-out planet or something. There was no noise – you could hear no bugs, no birds – it was just an eerie silence for three days."
In the weeks since the storm, Mollere’s camp, which he shares with life-long friend "Wild Bill" Laprime, has evolved into a one-stop aid station and information clearinghouse.
"Eventually people started to come over the rubble and bring help, bring food, ask questions if Ive seen loved ones or anything," he said. "So I started gathering up more tables and just got more stuff to make the place more comfortable, livable. And I started taking in information … and we were like a little way station here for people, because we were the only ones on this side of the railroad tracks."
But the constant stream of visitors from morning to night has begun to wear on Mollere. He said he’d like to take a vacation once he is able to bury his mother, whose body was found in the debris five days after Katrina only to be whisked to a temporary morgue set up by the county, where the family has been unable to reclaim it.
"We still haven’t buried my mother," he said. "I’m trying to get this done at this point. I’m hoping to get all my affairs straightened out so I can get away from here for a little while. Because I’m getting to that state of mind where I’m really depressed. And some psychiatrist told me about three weeks ago that it would hit me and it’s beginning to right now. … It’s just depressing, too overwhelming at this point."
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Your story is amazing. Living in the heartland, I have no idea what you went through. We have several from our church in Diamondhead, MS. helping there. It is so hard to understand what all has happened, but I pray for you and hope you get your vacation soon! You deserve it!
Nancy Russell, Lebanon, MO (Sent Oct 19, 2005 2:25:31 PM)
For anyone to lose a loved one during a storm is more than daunting, equally overwhelming. However Mr. Mollere was spared so that he could help those who needed help more than he did. Keep your faith, Mr. Mollere. Don't give up on life and most importantly, don't give up on yourself. Pray and try to stay strong for there are better days ahead.
My prayers to you, your family and to all of you who have had to endure such tragedy.
J. Washington (Sent Oct 19, 2005 2:25:41 PM)
Bless you Mr. Mollere!
Lee,Pelahatchie, MS (Sent Oct 19, 2005 2:29:01 PM)
I am glad to hear about someone doing something constructive with the devastation they have faced instead of waiting and complaining because the volunteers and workers have not done enough for them. I have a four-year-old son, an eight-month-old son, and am five months pregnant with our third child. We lost our home to Rita and came to Kansas to start over. I am sad to say there are people in my own family that are sitting around doing nothing but blowing the money they were given for their troubles and complaining that the city needs to hurry up and clean up their yard. I always wished I had the money to go anywhere and help people who need it - now I and my family are some of those people. We were lucky we didn't lose anyone in our family, but everyone but two family members lost their homes. Now it looks like more people will be devastated by Wilma and others to come afterwards. I hope these survivors will look to Mr. Mollere for inspiration. It looks like a long year for hurricane victims so lets make the most of it.
Niki Broussard - Junction City, KS (formerly of Cameron Parish, LA) (Sent Oct 19, 2005 2:30:15 PM)
Mr Mollere;
I want to say Im sorry for your loss of your Mother and your home.But just remember GOD does let things happen in our life's, not always good things, but ALWAYS for a reason. Hang in there and take good care of Rocky.
Cindy Flores,Plano,Texas (Sent Oct 19, 2005 2:33:04 PM)
Mr Mollere:
Iam very sorry for your lose, I cant imagine what you are going through right now. You are a great person and living proof that there is still good in the world. please take the time to deal with your loss and then take that much needed vacation.I live in Northern California and could have mass destruction at anytime. If and or when that time should come for use I hope Iam 1/2 the man you are. take care of yourself.
Eddie Morris, Richmond California (Sent Oct 19, 2005 2:35:27 PM)
Brian, I'm so very sorry for the loss of your mother and may you put her to rest very soon.I'm displaced due to Katrina and my life is far from normal,but I'm so blessed because I do not have it as bad as alot of other people like yourself.My heart and prayers go out to you and your community.I know they are proud of you and the work you have done for them.Enjoy your well deserved vacation and yes bring the pup too.God Bless you!
Melanie,Metairie La. (Sent Oct 19, 2005 2:36:04 PM)
I was touched by your compassion for others and animals. I know your mother raised a fine son and she is looking over you. You sound so tired. I hope you and Rocky get a vacation soon. Albuquerque is truly the Land of Enchantment. Our Hot Air Balloon Fiesta just finished, but it is worth seeing maybe next year. The sunsets here are absolutely beautiful and healing. Keep your chin up and bless you!
Katrina Lallement, Albuquerque, New Mexico (Sent Oct 19, 2005 2:38:55 PM)
BRIAN, MY HEART GOES OUT TO YOU. AS I WAS READING YOUR STORY I COULDN'T HELP BUT TO SHED A TEAR. KEEP
YOUR HEAD UP AND YOUR MOM IS WATCHING OVER YOU TO HELP GUIDE YOU THRU THESE HARD TIMES. GOD BLESS YOU.
KIMBERLY V. PORT ST LUCIE FL (Sent Oct 19, 2005 2:47:11 PM)
We all find our strenght from our Lord and Savior, and I know that he will bless you in many ways. You are in my prayers. May God Bless You in all that you do. He knows every tear that falls from our eyes, and he even keeps them tucked away. <><
Wendy C (Sent Oct 19, 2005 2:47:29 PM)
Mr.Mollere, Thank you for being so selfless. Thank you for giving so many strength!! May you be strong enough to continue until you can rest. Best wishes! You are in our prayers. The Good family
April Good,Lakewood, Wash. (Sent Oct 19, 2005 2:48:18 PM)
Dear Brian,
My heart go's out to you in this time of grief. I am sure you are blaming yourself for your Mothers demise but you must not do that. You did what you thought was best at the time and that is all a person can do. I Believe that God spared you for a great purpose and I believe you are a Hero.
Ginny Martin, Montgomery, Alabama (Sent Oct 19, 2005 3:16:44 PM)
Brian,
I recognize you. I worked back drive thru at mcdonalds in Waveland, MS. on Highway 90. I'm sorry about your mom, and I'm glad that you survived. My bf and I have moved up to Jackson, our apartment in Bay St. Louis was destroyed by the flooding and sewage and wind of Katrina. We evacuated to Picayune at first, and I got to sit in the eye of Katrina for a half an hour. She did damage there too. We came back for pictures of the apartment, and after what we saw of it, we're not coming back to live. FEMA hasn't helped us yet, I don't know if they've helped you yet at all either. Trust in yourself and your strength first, that is what has gotten us through. Trust that mom is watching over you, and she will bring you comfort in your sleep. And remember the smiling fat red head from back drive thru with the nice voice that always tried to make you smile.. we're all in this together luv, I hope you and your pooch stay safe down there.
Love always
Mcdonalds Tara
Tara Warren, Bay Saint Louis, Mississippi (Sent Oct 19, 2005 3:30:09 PM)
Dear Mr. Mollere,
I truely believe that your mom is in heaven, and you were left behind for a reason. You are in our prayers. A vacation has been past over due so have fun and be safe. Take that little dog with you.
Cynthia , Dallas,Texas (Sent Oct 19, 2005 3:34:32 PM)
WAIT ON THE LORD: BE OF GOOD COURAGE, AND HE SHALL STRENGTHEN THINE HEART: WAIT I SAY ON THE LORD. PSALMS 27:14.
Kay, Lansing, Michigan (Sent Oct 19, 2005 3:41:59 PM)
My heart goes out to all those that lost soooo much. The South is strong in love and history and your town is a part of that. Although you can not go back to make it the same, may you be given the strentgh and fortitude to make it even better. Your desire to share and express you lose has help so many more be aware of the joys of life and that "my brother" is a very good thing!
G Johnson Dallas Metroplex (Sent Oct 19, 2005 3:42:22 PM)
Mr. Mollere (Brian); I read your story and was completely captured by it. I am very sorry for your loss. There is a reason why you and that cute little dog survived. I hope you will get the vacation that you wish for.
Anita Norwood, Livonia, Michigan (Sent Oct 19, 2005 3:45:17 PM)
After having just spent the first two weeks of October in Baton Rouge Red Cross headquarters, doing volunteer training, I drove in Waveland on the one day off I had during my volunteer deployment. The before and after scenes of St Clare Parish and School and the few photos I took have left an everlasting impression on all those I have shared the experience. In fact, I have connected with a Catholic School student in Erie PA, whom is doing an essay on an everyday hero, and sharing my photos essay with her.
jeff tkacs, Wappingers Falls, New York (Sent Oct 19, 2005 3:50:06 PM)
God Bless you and give you His Peace. Your Mom is with you, as is He. Bless you for caring so much for your pup that you saved his life as well, at the risk of your own. The world needs more people like you. If God brings you to it, He will bring you through it.
Lisa Bailey (Sent Oct 19, 2005 4:01:00 PM)
Keep your thoughts on good times and good people and know that you have not yet completed your designated task in life. You will make out fine with memories that will fade with the passing of time.
Diane Beresford, Valley Village, CA (Sent Oct 19, 2005 4:01:58 PM)
I am not a religious person, but I have to believe that you have been blessed with a great strength.
I'd like to think that your mother is looking down at you and her beloved dog from heaven with a peaceful look on her face. Good luck and God Bless. Barbara
barbara glaberman Weehawken, NJ (Sent Oct 19, 2005 4:17:36 PM)
Hi Brian, I am from the Mississippi coast, and stayed during the storm. I too swam out of my house and yard and got to a neighbor. I didn't get pushed by a wave like you, but I did think I would drown as the water was up to my neck. I also had 4 pets who had to stay in the house on beds, in 7 ft of water, as I could not get them out. Amazingly, they survived and are with me now, but one cat and one dog was lost for a week. I am so glad your little dog survived too. After 3 days, I got to my sister's home in north MS. It was such a relief to get out of that environment and have some normalcy. We really need a break from the constant reminder of the devastation. Go to family or friends out of the area, if you can, then when you do go back, as I have done several times, it is a little easier to handle. Even if you can get a motel far away from the area it will help. I have found so many very kind and helpful people up here, and you will too. I am so sorry for the loss of your mother, but my prayers are with you and everyone in our situation. You have done a wonderful thing for other people by just being there for them. Just remember that, and keep those spirits up!
Jeanne AlJabi, Ocean Springs, MS (Sent Oct 19, 2005 4:27:14 PM)
my thoughts are with you and i pray that someday yourlife will get back to as normal as it can be. i feel your loss and take heart that your mother is in heaven and looking down on you.bless you and my god give you the strength to keep on going.
katherine rogers chesterfield sc (Sent Oct 19, 2005 4:35:11 PM)
Brian,
I am amazed at your calmness and impressed with your desire and willingness to help others in light of your own losses. I guess we all try to do what we have to do when the time comes but you are our encouragement that we can do it when the hard times come. You are in my prayers and God does have a plan, it may baffle us to no end but He still has something He wants you to do, I hope to hear about the plan when it unfolds.
Connie In Wyoming
Connie K. (Sent Oct 19, 2005 5:22:38 PM)
My thoughts and prayers are with you after your loss and everything you have endured.
May God give you peace, comfort, and stength to keep going on and in the loss of your mother.
Brenda Bingham, Montgomery, AL. (Sent Oct 19, 2005 5:24:00 PM)
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