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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Mr Mollere,
I am compelled to write to you after reading the story of your harrowing ordeal and courage in handing the aftermath. My feelings mirror those of others who have written; sorrow for the loss of your Mother and admiration of your grace under intense pressure. I hope you are able to gain strength from all who have sent messages and begin the process of healing from the trauma you have endured. Bless you Brian.
Beth Davis (Sent Oct 23, 2005 10:42:44 AM)
Brian, you are a man amongst men. If I had the means I'd give you a trip to any desination you've dreamed of. If a reader has these means - send this man with God's blessing, he dosen't need to go that far. A Florida fishin trip, and LSU game in B.R., Branson, just a get-away! For anyone w/ big generosity, I'll bet he'd love to see his true relatives homeland (prob Europe). PS - I went to Brian's blue-tarp-camp a few weeks ago. I had set up a similar place in BSL at my Mom's distroyed home by the BSL bridge w/in days of Katrina. This first three days were lonely. My Mom lived, and tired of the on-lookers, questions, and the endless search for her belongings. I can't imagine my big blue tarp camp knowing Mom was not with us. Bless you big man!
DashHill (Sent Oct 26, 2005 6:15:21 PM)
Brian, I met you a couple of times when visiting my Uncle Bill (Rickey's). I am so sorry for the loss of your mother. I hope you find peace knowing that she was with you and helped save you. Please know that you are in our prayers.
Chris, Ridiley Park, PA (Sent Oct 28, 2005 8:21:09 AM)
Keep your heads up and it will get better. To all of my family over there in the area, I am praying for all of you.
Dawn Ray, Harahan, La. (Sent Nov 3, 2005 10:37:07 PM)
Hi Brian: I could not believe that Waveland and the Bay would ever go through another huricane after Camille. And yet it happened. I am a member of the Garrison family. We lived on Pine Ridge Rd. in Waveland. My sister, Barbara Maguire, as she was known to you at the time claims you were her first boyfriend. Hope you remember. I was 2 years ahead of you both in school. C.B. was in my class.
I am so sorry for your loss. You were very courageous to move your mother to higher ground. The results after that were in God's hands. If you want to come to California for a break you are most welcomed.
We haven't lived in Waveland since 1971 and we just recently saw that our old home was in tact, but will be demolished. I really miss the wonderful people of Waveland and the Bay. I lived there all through junior and senior high school (7th and 8th at St. Clare) then to Bay High.
Take the break you need...do not hesitate..it's time.
Sincerely,
Janine Maguire Garrison
Janine Costa Mesa, CA (Sent Nov 7, 2005 4:05:38 PM)
Brian,
I had the priviledge of meeting you when I was in Waveland helping out after Katrina hit. You are a wonderful man but anyone can only take so much. Brian, please know you're in the thoughts and prayers of many...with all you've gone through, getting away would be the best thing you could do. Know you always have a place to crash in Birmingham! Take care of you! Please tell Wild Bill, Judee, Francis and everyone else "Hello!" for me! God will see you through...He brought your through the storm for a reason - remember that in the tough times! I'm here for ya!
Love & blessings,
Sandy
Sandy Rowe, Birmingham, AL (Sent Nov 8, 2005 10:05:46 AM)
Your story is amazing and has really touched us all. We continue to pray for you and everyone who has been affected by this great tragedy.
Friends at Travel-new-orleans.com, New Orleans, LA (Sent Nov 16, 2005 11:57:26 PM)
Brian, I am sorry for your loss. I hope that you will be able to take the vacation you need. After reading the comments of others regarding your character, I feel comfortable extending the following invitation from my family...Although we are far from being "people with means" I am lucky enough to own 40 acres in beautiful Western Colorado prime elk hunting country. Not sure if you like that sort of thing, but if so perhaps my husband and I can put you up for a week or two and take you hunting, get your head cleared out so you can do what you gotta do for your Mom. Of course, Rocky can come too! I am a great dog sitter...I hope you find some peace. Our thoughts are with you.
Jennifer, Rifle, CO (Sent Nov 22, 2005 11:53:30 AM)
Brian, I am so very sorry for your loss. Because of your obvious character, my family would like to extend this invitation. Althought we are not people of "means", we are lucky enough to own 40 acres of prime Colorado elk hunting country. My husband is a bow hunter and would enjoy your company, I am sure. Not sure if you are into that sort of thing, but if so we would love to have you..and Rocky of course! I myself and not a great hunter, but I am a great dog sitter. Thank you for sharing your story with us, we wish you the best. The Hogue Family, Rifle, CO.
Jennifer, Rifle, CO (Sent Nov 22, 2005 12:00:25 PM)
Brian,I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your mother. Our Prayers are with you. I grew up in N.O. and my parents have had a house in Waveland since 1958. It now belongs to my sister and I, or at least the slab where the house was. I have known of Mollere Realty my whole life it seems. God does have a purpose for you that he saw you thru the storm. We have all rebuilt from Camile some 30 years ago and with God's help we will rebuilt again. May God Bless You and all of the people of Waveland and Bay St. Louis.
Richard Clark Jr., Tomball,TX (Sent Nov 28, 2005 3:24:10 PM)
Brian, I am so sorry about the loss of your mother. I was a gulfcoast resident for 31 years and survived Camille. I love Waveland and Bay St. Louis and often thought that I would like a retirement home in Hancock county. Although I now live 1400 miles away, I still visit the coast as much as possible. I had a wonderful visit last February. I know first hand the depression you must be feeling, I often become tearful. When watching the weather channel this morning, they were showing Gulfport. My two daughters lost their home there, their places of employment, and have now exprienced delays in their education. Both were attending USM on the coast. They have since relocated to Orlando. FL. I remember passing by the hardware store many, many times going thru Waveland to hit the beach and head to the bay. What a beautiful drive that was. I remember what the coast looked like after Camille. It will take some time to recover and I wish everyone the best with that process. I believe I know some of your extended family. My heart goes out to all the people in the area. Know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Lee, Chassell, MI (Sent Nov 30, 2005 10:59:08 AM)
Brian,
I am sending you a hug..You deserve it..I am so sorry about your loss of your loving mother..You are a strong person..God will guide you through these tough times.. Keep the faith.. Prayers to you..
Karen Goodson, Bolingbrook, IL (Sent Dec 1, 2005 10:39:21 PM)
Brian, Remember people are stll praying for you. Your mother taught you well...Thinking of you and others who are still working hard to get there lifes in order.
Pam Bolen, Lewisport, KY (Sent Jan 11, 2006 6:11:11 PM)
HI BRIAN. I GREW UP IN WAVELAND , WENT TO ST. CLARE AND USED TO RIDE MY BIKE DOWN COLEMAN AVENUE ALMOST EVERYDAY. WHEN I WAS A LITTLE GIRL MY DAD, JOHN FELDER, WOULD TAKE ME TO YOUR PARENTS HARDWARE STORE. I HAVE A PICTURE OF MYSELF HOLDING A CAT IN THAT HARDWARE STORE. THAT CAT WAS BIGGER THAN ME. ITS REALLY SAD TO SEE THE SCHOOL AND CHURCH I WENT TO GONE, THE HOUSE I GREW UP IN , JUST A SLAB.
KAREN FELDER JORDAN, BAY ST LOUIS, MS (Sent Jan 28, 2006 8:09:02 PM)
Hello Brian,
If you need a place to stay until your house is rebuilt or just need a place to get away and relax, you are welcome at our house. God Bless you!
Diana Vrba, Houston, Tx (Sent Feb 1, 2006 2:03:32 PM)
Brian, I am sorry for the lose of your mother.God bless you and keep you. It took a strong and brave man
to pick yourself up and get things together to help
others. I am praying for you people,Keep looking up
and encourage each other, You will get thru this.Remember to prayer for each other.
Diane Champlin Aurora,Mn. (Sent Feb 3, 2006 9:33:55 PM)
God be with you and Rocky. You have survived! God is not done with you for you are a very strong man to have lived through the terrible ordeal. You were there for Rocky if nothing else. Hope you get that much needed break.
Debbie, Louisville, KY (Sent Feb 7, 2006 3:14:57 PM)
Hello Brian and Rocky! Bravo to you both for finding the strength to make sure each other has made it this far. I went through all 3 Florida hurricanes in 2004 and somewhat understand what you are going through mentally - though I have no doubt that your situation is much more immense than ours was. Houses can be rebuilt, as can businesses, and memorials erected, but God kept you here with us for a reason that may be only known to him so far. We are thankful you and Rocky are still with us, and we are saddened for the loss of your mother. Greet her each morning, go through your day doing the best you can at whatever you attempt, and do not forget to say goodnight and tell her that you love her each evening before you sleep. Use the wisdom you have gained from your situation. God has given us a memory for a reason and if you can find it within yourself to get really creative and use your new-found knowledge to help others around you make it past this just as you are doing, then you will shine in God's eyes and I have no doubt, your mother's also. During the 2nd hurricane in 2004 I too was left here on earth by a narrow margin and though I still have not figured out why, I know it is for a very specific purpose that involves more than myself. Take care of Rocky. He needs you. I am sorry for the loss of your mother, but know she is in a better place and you will see her again. God Bless you Brian!
Michelle Smith (Sent Feb 11, 2006 3:00:57 PM)
Dear Brian,
My heart goes out to you and Rocky. I too wish I were in the position to help you and many more . I am so sadden when I see the lost and devastation of the area. I know it alot easier to say then to do but continue to be stong. GOD DOES HAVE A PLAN FOR YOU! I am sure. Please accept my sincere sympathy in the loss of your Mother. I am a Mother of 2 sons and I know that if they were to have been through what you have and continue to help other as you have I WOULD BE SO PROUD as I am sure YOUR MOTHER is. May God continue to Bless and Keep you and Rocky in his arms.
Paula Chipley, Florida (Sent Feb 19, 2006 1:24:59 PM)
Hi Brian, I am once again reading about the devastion Katrina brought, and again I'm brought to tears here at my desk at work. To read about how you were on a wave actually made my stomach turn with fright. Some of the things we do in life and survive is simply incredible, I will think of you always.
Anita M. White El Cajon Ca. (Sent Jun 13, 2006 5:32:51 PM)
We are coming up on a year, since Katrina. Today's new's reports of FEMA spending 1.4 billion dollar's, in fraudulant claims,while so many people like you and I are still sitting in our ruins, waiting for help...and yet, I read of your plight, and the love, prayers and support from so many, and my faith is renewed...I went into Biloxi and Gulfport with a team of doc's and nurses afterward, and, I gotta say...While I wish it had not happened, I, even today, would not trade the lessons learned about our vulnerability, and our strengths. God Bless You, Brian...
Sandy Smith RN/Mobile, Al (Sent Jun 14, 2006 7:19:30 PM)
Brian,
I hope your still getting to read these incredible thoughts people are expressing. My name is Patty Thompson, adjuster. My thoughts of you have been many especially this week as I prepar for Ernesto.
I wanted to take this time to thank you for the coffee,water morning after morning that you provided me as I started my day of searching for my insureds homes. After 7 years of adjusting, the most difficult days were those spent in Waveland, but you, after suffering so much loss, made a point to keep all of our spirits moving in a postitive direction no matter what obsticles we faced that day. And it is due to your asssistance and humor and kindness that we all were driven to help all those that we could, with the same compassion that you showed us.
I hope to see you again sometime, but under different circumstances.
God Bless.
patty
Patty Thompson, Canton Texas (Sent Aug 27, 2006 10:46:21 PM)
Brian, you are a strong brave man who has leadership skills and someday should find a job in disaster relief if you have learned how to regulate your emotional responses, triggers and can deal with your fear and exhaustion on an ongoing basis. A lot of time has gone by, but the marks on your soul of the losses are making you and all of you who survived Gods sculpture, sometimes it is hard to find god in the debree, other times all you have to do is look into someones eyes like yours. I have no doubt God helped you survive so you could meet the needs of many people without the survival skills and presence of mind you had. Thank you for being you. and please someday write about it all . We need to hear what a human being can decide to survive and about the choices he makes as he sorts out a new life, and helps others by his example sort out theirs. We were not there with you, but we were there praying and hoping and lobbying congress as much as we could. Those of us that showed up were in awe of all of you. I guess life will be about other people from now on for all of us not about things, or projects, or political agenda, but about us. each other. The more people like you survive the greater a chance this planet survives. Patience
Patience Lowe Colrain , Mass (Sent Nov 8, 2006 7:35:34 AM)
Brian, you have been & continue through very hard circumstances. Hang in there & best of luck to you & Rocky. That is an incredible story of survival you have. I am sure you are an inspiration to a lot of people. Don't forget to get in that vacation, the time away would probably help. That hurricane & mess afterward were huge. Keep the faith.
Paul, Pensacola, FL (Sent Apr 12, 2007 10:59:40 AM)
Brian,
It has now been over 2 years since that fateful day. I sincerely hope that you are doing well and you have been able to put some of this behind you. It's not easy losing a parent, especially the way you have. I have been to the Gulf Coast twice since October 2006 and my prayers go out to absolutely everyone that was affected by the storm. May God bless you all and keep you safe.
Marilyn Austing-Silva, Newark, CA (Sent Sep 3, 2007 6:21:33 PM)
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