Pete and Betty Benvenutti watch the demolition of the 100-year-old front section of their house that was rendered unlivable by Hurricane Katrina. Click "play" to hear Betty and Pete describe the history of their house.
The house at 114 Felicity grew slowly over five generations, but it came down quickly. Pete and Betty Benvenutti, who lived there 41 years, are making plans to rebuild.
After surviving countless storms, including Camille in 1969 and unnamed monsters in 1915 and 1947, Katrina fatally wounded the 107-year-old structure with a wall of water that many have likened to a tsunami. Wrecking crews finished the job in a few quick hours this month, leaving just the shell of a back wing added by the couple in the 1960s.
"I have some real sad thoughts about tearing down this house," said Betty, 75, a proper Southern lady sitting in a lawn chair and enjoying a snack as she watched men in heavy machinery combing through the wreckage. "It was a very good house and a loving place for us to be."
Betty and Pete, 80, have deep roots in Bay St. Louis dating back more than 100 years and a clan of relatives including some of the area's most prominent citizens. The story of the Benvenuttis and their house speaks volumes about the past, present and future of the Mississippi Gulf coast.
The structure originally was a "camp house" built for so-called Bohemian workers in the nearby shrimp and oyster canneries, the same industry that attracted Pete's father to the region in 1900.
By the early 1960s, Pete and Betty were living with their seven children outside Washington, D.C., where Pete was holding down a desk job with the Marines after serving in Korea and World War II.
Suburban Virginia had "a lot of traffic, a lot of people." said Betty. "It’s just not my idea of where you raise children."
When Betty's father died, her mother used the life insurance money to buy the couple the two-bedroom house a quarter-mile from the beach, mainly because she liked the oak tree in back. Pete got himself transferred to New Orleans, and the couple ended up raising their own eight children (including one born in Bay St. Louis) and "15 million others" in the house, said Betty.
"We fed half the neighbor kids out of the garden," she said.
The house was far too small for the growing family, but the enterprising couple quickly discovered there was enough room in the attic to create a dormitory for the boys, and "sho 'nuff, the next day we started building the attic room," Pete said.
A few years later he added the 1,000-square-foot addition in the back with a sprawling family room and two small bedrooms.
By the time Katrina hit, the house and its one-acre plot were worth about $300,000 in a neighborhood that featured an increasing number of $500,000 homes and even some $1 million homes along the beachfront.
At 20 feet above sea level, the flood risk was considered minimal, and family members say they stayed put for every major storm except Camille, which caused only minor water damage.
Fortunately they did evacuate for Katrina, but only to nearby Waveland, figuring they would be safe at an elevated house north of the raised railroad tracks, which were considered a final barrier against any rising seawater.
Instead the Benvenuttis and 13 other people watched in horror as the street turned into a backwards-flowing river and water began rising in the house.
"When the chairs started floating, we all went up the stairwell," Betty said. "I will tell you one thing: We prayed and we prayed and we prayed, because the water was in the house and it kept rising. I never said the Lord’s prayer so many times in my life."
After Pete retired from the Marines, he had a second career as an office administrator at what he calls the "Cocola" Co. and founded Bay Motor Winding, a family business repairing electric motors and submersible pumps, a service in high demand since Katrina.
With his close-cropped silver hair, steel rim glasses and twinkling blue eyes, Pete is every inch the retired Marine master sergeant and "can work circles around you," said his son Chuck, an accountant who is county chairman of the Governor's Commission for Recovery, Rebuilding and Renewal.
Even as crews swarmed over the property with a trackhoe, a bulldozer and claw-like device called a knuckle boom, Pete was up and down a stepladder with a crowbar in his hand, ripping off loose paneling and generally staying busy.
Where an outside observer saw little left worth salvaging other than a concrete slab, Pete and Betty already are dreaming up plans for a new house extending from the shell of the surviving 1960s-era structure.
But insurance problems loom as a major issue. With no flood insurance, the Benvenuttis got only $30,000 for wind damage to their garage and another $26,000 for the home’s contents. Even if they qualify for the maximum $26,000 FEMA grant, that would leave them well short of the $200,000 they figure they need to rebuild.
"At 80 years old I'm not looking forward to a 30-year mortgage," Pete said.
Nevertheless, he paid some $4,000 to have his land cleared, and he and his wife are looking at design ideas for a new house. For now, they are living in a trailer at their youngest son's house a short ride away in Gulfport, enjoying unexpected quality time with two of their 13 grandchildren. Eventually they probably will move the trailer to their own land.
"We're still in a quandary about what we're going to do," Betty said, reflecting the uncertainties of timing and financing. With enormous piles of trash and debris everywhere along the coast, and dried muck caking all her possessions, "it's like you’re living in this terrible nightmare," she said.
Still, she said, "We feel very blessed, because we have good children."
Lucky this time
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My heart goes out to everyone in this area and all effected by this awesome storm. I have been down to the Gulf Coast more than twice with a disaster Relief Team and our last assignment was in what they fondly referred to as " The Bay ". There isn't a day that goes by that I don't think of all of the people I met and the devistation I saw and felt. The stories you heard of courage, bravery, love, and sheer strength. The WORLD could learn from these people. My prayers and love to all of you. Be strong, we haven't forgotten that you are there and I know, personally, I am planning on coming back to help and to continue to raise awareness in my home town. I'll be your voice from a thousand miles away.
Angela Taylor, Dandridge, TN (Sent Nov 24, 2005 1:07:03 AM)
man...im only 45 years old my house is paid for and would not like to be looking at another morgage...stick in there...blessings will be sent
andy,ms (Sent Nov 24, 2005 9:04:05 AM)
Like you, maintaining family history is important to me. Your desire to keep and maintain your family's history is completely understandable for in living our history we pass it on to succeeding generations; am thankful to have read your travails; you represent the spirit of our South. You have my prayers and best wishes as you rebuild. May He guide you and lead you always.
gator, e. tx (Sent Nov 24, 2005 1:51:02 PM)
There are so many people in this area of Mississippi that are going through this same thing that you can't make any sense of it right now. I lived in several cities around the country before moving to BSL. The welcome I received was beyond my comprehension after just arriving from a big city where you felt more like a number. If anyone out there wants to keep up with other happenings check out wlox.com and sunherald.com. But what I have seen is that Bay/Waveland area and Pass Christian (katrina.passchristian.net; arloandjanis.com) are the worst destroyed.
shena, pass christian (Sent Nov 24, 2005 2:13:25 PM)
My aunt, uncle and little cousin live on the water over in Pass Christian, well I guess they used to. Of course, their house was completely gutted, up to the main floor ceiling (the house was even on 13 foot stilts). (wow mother nature is crazy!). They had just finished a major 2 story addition on their house, which makes it even more sad. They are faced with the same daunting task of rebuilding vs. not rebuilding due to the lack of insurance money. They have received nothing so far. Now, there is a chance that FEMA will change the building codes so that they have to tear down what is left of their house. The government sure seems to be working against the victims of Katrina. They did not even qualify for a trailer. I am very thankful to hear that you are considering rebuilding, because that area is wonderful. I spent much of my childhood at my aunt's house. I am even sad to see the state of the bridge from Bay St. Louis to pass Christian. That was my favorite part when going to my aunts house from our home in New Orleans..the noise it made. My grandmother is also sad to see the pictures of where all of the historic mansions and homes sat along highway 90. Anyone that we hear that is considering rebuilding, we urge to do so. Hopefully, the priceless charm will be quickly restored. And hopefully you will find a way to rebuild your home, too. May God Bless.
Brittany, lititz, PA for aunt in Pass Christian (Sent Nov 25, 2005 12:35:15 AM)
After reading the story re: the Benvenutti couple, my heart goes out to them and the countless other families that were affected by Katrina. It saddens me that everyone is having such a hard time getting the funds to rebuild their homes and communities. May God bless them all.
Carolyn Miller, Springfield, IL (Sent Nov 25, 2005 10:11:20 AM)
I had never heard of Pass Christian Missippi, but my daugher from Virgina and her neighborhood filled a uhaul less than two weeks after the storm. We went to the small town and what we saw has changed our lives forever. Two weeks later I went back , with more supplies and went to Bay St. Louis, Waveland, and most of the area. We pledged then we would continue to support their efforts and a large group of volunteers, are planning a trip to help our whereever they can in January. Mississippi is not forgotten and will never be in the hearts in the thousands who are their and who have been there. It will take more than prayers, blessings,for them sometimes God wants us as individuals to step up for our neighbors and we will receive the blessing.
Gail Fiveash Brunswick GA (Sent Nov 25, 2005 10:40:21 AM)
Good luck to you and your family in rebuilding your new home. I'm glad you allowed your story to be told. It's important to have a historical reference to what folks are going through and what they will continue to encounter in the recovery effort.
Erinn McGuire, Bluffton, S.C. (Sent Nov 25, 2005 11:50:05 AM)
I had a fire two years ago and lost everything. I had more blessings that came from people I did not
even know. I did not have enough insurance; however,
I know the flash-backs and anger and all the emotions that go along with this. My children have kept me going along with the power above to help through. I hope there is a follow-up story of making lemonaid from lemons.
Christy Lively (Sent Nov 25, 2005 12:15:38 PM)
Hi Betty and Pete,
I'm so sorry for the damage done to the Bay and Waveland areas as well as Pass Christian, the Gulf Coast and New Orleans. I graduated from Bay Sr. HS in '75 after living in N.O. for many years. I have been living in Brunswick, GA since '83. I felt at home here because Brunswick looks a lot like the Bay, and the community is wonderful! I know you have a large family, but if you ever feel the desire to relocate, please take a look at Brunswick and the Golden Isles! Maybe you could plan to visit. May God bless you and your family.
Judy Greer Driggers
Judy Driggers, Brunswick, GA (Sent Nov 25, 2005 5:19:43 PM)
HANG IN THERE. GOD LOVES YOU AND YOU ARE AND WILL NEVER BE DESERTED.
RENEE BEY (Sent Nov 25, 2005 6:00:46 PM)
Seems to me that while I am sympathetic to thier plight, you have to ask WHY NO FLOOD INSURANCE?
And now they want to build in the same spot, I would hope not.
james Johnson, Buffingtong ID (Sent Nov 25, 2005 7:08:02 PM)
There are millions praying for those who have been affected by so many natural disasters. May the Lord bless you as we know that this world is not our real home. It is wonderful to know that you are praying and looking to Heaven and not cursing God. Miracles still happen. We are praying for you all!
Prayin for ya in, St. George, Utah (Sent Nov 26, 2005 10:49:21 AM)
A friend of mine and I went to Bay St. Louis a week or so ago and spent a week helping in the distribution center for Hearts for Hands out of Asheville, NC. We drove away saddened by the situation and praying for the families that have been left in desolation. We felt like we were driving away and leaving family. We will be back to do whatever we can until these people are in a normal situation. God Bless!
Libbie Guthrie, Asheville, North Carolina (Sent Nov 26, 2005 6:27:09 PM)
Dear Pete and Betty,
All ways remember the Lord Jesus Christ has already paid a price for you. There was nothing you brought into this world and nothing you will take when you leave it. The Earth is the Lord and the fullness thereof. Jesus Christ has blessed you with life, continue to live. You have already reached the 3 score and 10 that was promise. Give thanks to the Lord Jesus Christ for your life and put your care's in his hands. He will direct your path.
Kenny Bell, Greenville, Mississippi (Sent Nov 26, 2005 9:10:59 PM)
God Bless you and your family.Coming together now shows all what the word"Family"means.
Steve Monier, Wylie Tx. (Sent Nov 27, 2005 10:53:43 AM)
Eight folks from our church in Bartlett, TN went to Gulfport to do what we could in October. I was very discourged and saddened by the effects of the hurricane but very encourged by the resolve of the people. Each resident we worked with had sadness on thier face but were ready to get on with the clena-up and thier lives. Those that could worked along side of us. We were the ones that were blessed!
Danny Spurlock Bartlett, TN (Sent Nov 28, 2005 3:00:04 PM)
As a friend of one of the Benvenutti's daughters, I know this family and have spent many happy days on "Felicity Street." This is a loving couple who have devoted their life to children, family and God. My heart breaks to watch them tear down their home, but know that whatever shelter is over their heads all will feel welcomed and loved. God bless you Mr. and Mrs. Benvenutti. You have blessed me with your friendship and love.
P.S. To the gentelman from Buffington, ID: Katrina was a catagory 5 hurricane with a storm surge 30 feet high by 80 miles wide. The Benvenutti's were not required to have flood insurance, nor were they advised to, as the majority of those who lost their homes to Katrina. This storm is not the norm. We tried to purchase flood insurance on our Pascagoula beach condo even though we were not encouraged to by our mortgage company. The residents who have suffered from this nightmare need support, not a scolding.
Joanna Slay, Pascagoula, MS (Sent Nov 28, 2005 8:40:47 PM)
My prayers go out to Betty and Pete and hope their recovery will be smooth. We are having similar problems here in Gautier, MS but am fortunate to have outside walls and a roof. For those who ask why no flood insurance? We shouldn't need it because there was no flood. This was all wind driven surge. Allowing the insurance companies to propogate the fallacy of "flood" borders on criminal and allows them to avoid payment of claims or to limit them under "flood insurance" that pays far less than than homeowners and storm policies. Calling this a flood is the same as calling the Tsunami a flood.
Mike, Gautier MS (Sent Nov 28, 2005 9:20:32 PM)
Seeing a home torn down has more meaning when you can actually see and hear the people to whom it belongs to. Good luck in rebuilding your home and lives.
Maiya Marshall, Mills College (Sent Nov 29, 2005 12:38:20 AM)
It is in my prayers that the storms do not continue to intesify. Please keep informed of current information regarding global warming and weather cycle theories - and make a well thought-out decision to rebuild so close to the Gulf waters. Twenty miles, even ten, makes all the difference in the world. . . I've been there. God bless. jc
Julie Cassidy, Hardin, Kentucky (Sent Nov 29, 2005 9:24:11 AM)
Hi Betty & Pete,
Your family is in our prayers... you won't remember us probably, but my family lived on Leopold St. back in the mid 1970's and my sister Kelly played at your house many times with your children. My heart goes out to you and the whole town during your struggles. Ironically, my family returned to BSL this summer for an amazing reunion just a few weeks before it was torn apart by Katrina. Watching these events unfold has been heartbreaking. I will continue to pray that God will show you the way to rebuild your lives.
Tess Speake Mustain, Humble, Texas (Sent Nov 29, 2005 11:34:01 AM)
Hello, My Name is Rea and I live in Crystal Springs Ms. I Had damage done to my home and I couldn't afford to fix it, therefore i had to let the person who i was paying rent to keep the house and I had to move out. I have been staying in a shelter every since the storm. I am now staying in a hotel and it is so hard. I have a good job and my co-workers and boss(es) are wonderful, but it is so hard!!!!! I have 5 children that are staying with me in the hotel. My oldest daughter is 15 and she is pregnant. Her baby is due in 2 1/2 weeks. I hope to have a home by then. We look for a home every day it is hard. but all you can do is pray and keep a smile on your face so that your family and friends can't tell that you are about to give up. But, for my childrens sake, I will give out before I give up. (smile) So keep your head up. God may not show up when you call him, but he always makes it on time!!!!!!! Hopefully we will have a home for Christmas, but if not we will have a merry Christmas anyway, you do the same!!!!!
Rea Washington, Crystal Springs, Ms 39059 (Sent Nov 29, 2005 3:03:22 PM)
Dear Mr. Pete & Ms. Betty. God bless you. We see you every week at church. You are a wonderful family and our good friends. We saw your home and it broke our hearts. My sisters and I are praying for you. You both know we love you and so does your church family. We all had SURGE water in our homes also with no flood insurance but nothing like you had. We still have a shell. Take care and God bless.
Pamela Williams-Martin (Sent Nov 29, 2005 6:27:17 PM)
sorry to see all the damage but one is to think why would you buy land or a house 28 feet below water? If you are to stay i guess you will have to deal with this mess again well to all that ok keep up the prayers and the hope and maybe after Bush is gone things will be right again for you all good luck to all for the hard work and willings to keep hope alive
bill (Sent Nov 30, 2005 9:51:21 AM)
To Bill-
You misunderstood- these people were 20 feet ABOVE sea level and this happened. This is alot of what happened in Miss.
Edie, Charlotte, NC but from Pass Christian (Sent Dec 1, 2005 8:57:22 AM)
The Benvenutti's house was 20 feet ABOVE sea level not below.
Edie, Charlotte, NC but from Pass Christian (Sent Dec 1, 2005 9:06:04 AM)
bill,
His house was 20 ABOVE sea level, not 28 feet below.
AS1, Ocean Springs, MS (Sent Dec 1, 2005 9:15:48 AM)
Words still fail when I think of the Gulf Coast & all that was lost. I've been sending a little $ every two weeks when I get paid to local organizations in the area. I make myself read whatever news there is - even tho my heart breaks again. I respect & admire the courage I know it must take to get through the day in the face of these changes.
Always in my thoughts (my son too)-
Never to be forgotten-
Joan - San Francisco Ca (Sent Dec 1, 2005 5:10:29 PM)
Mr. Johnson,
Do you have flood insurance?
Julie, Tucson, AZ (Sent Dec 2, 2005 1:36:31 PM)
To the Benvenuttis and other victims:
What, besides money, do you need right now? Would be glad to help. We live in Florida but have been blessed with a great house that is withstanding the hurricanes, including Charlie, whose "eye" went right past/over us.Contact Beacon of Hope on Pine Island (near Fort Myers) too for help. (jamdsansone@hotmail.com)
Ann Sansone, Bokeelia, FL (Sent Dec 2, 2005 11:23:55 PM)
Mr. Johnson,
I don't think you understand that we had about a 30 foot surge that came in about a quarter of a mile destryoying homes and businesses which also caused the bayous, rivers, and lakes to rise and flood...it was about 10 times beyond the normal flood stage and all this in 4 hours..I hope you understand now...also, if you don't live in a flood zone, you cannot buy flood insurance and why would you think you needed to buy it??!!..this is what happened to many, many people!!
K. LeBlanc, Gulfport, MS (Sent Dec 4, 2005 10:48:52 AM)
no place on the mississippi gulf coast is below sea level...is it?....where ya from bill?
andy,ms (Sent Dec 4, 2005 11:25:40 AM)
WE WISH TO THANK JOHN BRACHTER AND MARTY VOLK FOR THE ARTICLE ON OUR MISFORTUNE. THANKS TO ALL THE PEOPLE WHO EXPRESSED WORDS OF SYMPATHY AND FOR ALL THE UPLIFTING MESSAGES OF HOPE. AND FOR THOSE WHO EXPLAINED THAT WE WERE 20 FT ABOVE SEA LEVEL AND WERE NOT IN A FLOOD ZONE. WE WILL REBUILD AND LIVE OUT OUR LIVES AT 114 FELICITY STREET, BAY ST LOUIS, MS. GOD BLESS YOU ALL AND ALL THE OTHER PEOPLE IN OUR SAME SITUATION. BETTY AND PETE BENVENUTTI
PETER BENVENUTTI, BAY ST LOUIS, MS 39520 (Sent Dec 7, 2005 9:41:35 AM)
THIS IS NOT TO SOUND AS IF I DON'T FEEL FOR THE PEOPLE , HOWEVER IF YOU ARE 20 FT ABOVE SEA LEVEL IT WOULD SEEM THAT YOU COULD BUY FLOOD INSURANCE AT A BARGAIN PRICE,AND IN THAT LOCATION IT WOULD BE A GOOD BET. HOWEVER HAVING LOST ONE I KNOW THAT HIND SIGHT IS WONDERFULL.
jim fouts (Sent Dec 9, 2005 8:11:43 PM)
I feel for everyone that lost their homes and possessions due to Katrina. I pray for all of you and smile whenever I hear stories of rebuilding. please keep your hope alive and know that even though we are so far from you and this devastation this has touched many people. My prayers and thoughts are with you all during the holiday season and I wish you all the best. Keep hope alive; without which everything is lost.
Lorna Mitchell, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada (Sent Dec 21, 2005 5:59:14 PM)
God bless your determination to rebuild your beloved home. I have wonderful childhood memories of time spent at my grandparents home in Summerville, SC. Their home was always filled with children from their street,family and friends. At Christmas all our family came to MaMaw and PaPaw's and on Christmas eve we filled the beds and slept on the floor (some 30 of us). Then at 5am PaPaw would set off one of the biggest fireworks he could find. That started our day of wonderment, good food and love. THAT IS WHY YOU REBUILD!!!!!! May all of the Gulf Coast continue to have the help and prays of all until you have your lives back to normal
Carolyn Inglett, Kingsprt, TN (Sent Dec 28, 2005 11:58:44 AM)
I grew up at 102 Felicity St. My grandfather built and lived at 127 Felicity St.; my aunt and uncle at 133, and another aunt at 202. I know the Benvenutti family, and when I say they are one of the hearts of the town, it is truly an understatement. So many ask "why rebuild in the same place"? Obviously, because it's home. Given the chance, I'd buy my grandfather's home, and it had 4 feet of water in it in Katrina. Why, because it's home. My love to everyone from the Bay. We've been down many times since Aug. 29, and we'll be back again. Hang in there, Mr. and Mrs. Benvenutti, you know the entire town loves you. Jamie Beasley (Jimmy Larroux's grand-daughter), now in Houston.
Jamie Beasley, Houston, TX (Sent Feb 19, 2006 7:21:35 PM)
Jamie,
I am an old frined of Jean and Hayden Larroux's - how is Ms. Toni doing?? I drive by her house almost daily on Felicity and pray she is doing well. I lost everything too and I just want to hug her! I loved her so much - you have a great family!!!!
Tina - Bay St Louis MS (Sent Feb 21, 2006 9:35:27 AM)
Mr. and Mrs. Benvenutti - It breaks my heart to see what you have had to watch your house be demolished. I grew up wtih MaryBeth and Patrick and even slept over in yoour home. I now live in Charleston SC, but my heart will always be with my hometown, Bay St. Louis and Waveland.
Lauri Newkirk - Paggi
Charleston, SC (Sent Feb 27, 2006 10:16:38 PM)
I have not seen first hand what all of you down there are going through. Although, I see it on the news all the time. It brings a tear to my eye everytime I see the distruction it caused to so many lives and homes. I live in the midwest and I have never seen what a Hurricane can do in person. I haved survived a Tornado and I know that they are very powerful, but nothing like a Hurricane. I am sorry that all of you people have had to go through this. I think that people who are not in your situation, should NOT make negative comments to you folks. You people have been through enough, without other people making it worse. I hope and pray that all of you down south can rebuild your lives and homes. You deserve it! And I pray that this never happens to any of you again. May God be with all of you and bless you to make it through your troublesome days. There is always light at the end of the tunnel, and some day all of you will see it. I hope it is sooner, rather than later though. I wish all of you the VERY BEST and hope that you have many more beautiful days down in those beautiful States that were hit by Hurricane Katrina. I hope some day I can come down there and meet you folks. Always stay positive and don't take today for granite. Once today is gone you can never have it back and no matter what -- there is always a BRIGHTER tomorrow. May God Bless all of you!
Cass Edwards, Altoona, Iowa (Sent Apr 13, 2006 12:00:08 PM)
To all of our good freinds along the Ms. Gulf coast we wish you the BEST of RECOVERY & GODS SPEED. You are all amazingly strong and tenaiouly determined people for which I have the highest respect. A special prayer to the Benvenutti family whom I had the pleasure of working with for seven years.
Butch Mack, Myrtle Creek, Or. (Sent May 5, 2006 3:00:12 PM)
To Mr Johnson who lives safely in ID. I live in Southern California and if you live within certain areas you cannot get fire insurance, which if you have seen the news is a very common occurence out here, we still have families that lost everything in the Cedar Fire, 3yrs ago who haven't finished rebuilding due to lack of money. So I am certain that anywhere in the gulf coast it is very hard to get flood insurance unless you want to pay more for insurance than you make in a year. So instead of sending useless comments you should consider your comments. When you are 80 try starting over.
I hope and Pray the gulf will get back to a sumwhat normal existence, You stay and live where you are at home.
AH in San Diego, CA
AH, San Diego, CA (Sent Jun 15, 2006 3:29:52 PM)
May God Bless the Great People of Mississippi as I lived there for 5 years in Long Beach and Pass Christian (1963 - 68) and left just prior to Camille. They are resilient people with a big heart and will be back. I now live on the east Coast of Florida and we were hit the last two years, but mild compared to the Mississippi Coast. I am only 7 feet above sea level, but do have flood insurance as well as homeowners. For those who may live in glass houses we have seen floods in many part of the country due to heavy rains, these are bad but try comparing them to a hurricane. Had I still been in MS when Camille came the building I lived in (Penthouse Apts) in Pass Christian was wiped out, rebuilt and it is gone again. God Bless and may people continue to help those in much need. Al, FL.
Al, Cocoa Beach, FL (Sent Jul 17, 2006 9:10:05 AM)
First of all, to the people who have nothing but criticism to offer, I hope that someone is saying a prayer for you! These people deserve hope and prayer not judgement,they've sufferred enough! Mr. and Mrs. Benvenutti, my heart,hope, love and prayers go out to you, your family and every other person who suffered the devastation of both Katrina and Rita. My parents, grandmother, aunts and uncles and cousins live in Lake Charles, LA and were hit hard by Rita. Why do you rebuild in the South? So that future generations can know the joy and love that fill a Southern home as newspapers are spread on the kitchen floor as laughing children shell buckets of shrimp while women fix huge dinners. So that neighbors can sit together on porches sharing iced tea and stories, so that there is never an empty chair at a table because someone is always "staying to supper", so that future generations can know the love, beauty, history and importance of family that is the heart of every home in the South! I wish you both good fortune, your home will find a way and it will be rebuilt so that it can once again be filled with the laughter of children, grandchildren and friends!
d.k. Willson, Bullhead City AZ (Sent Jul 18, 2006 12:05:38 PM)
My grandparents and great aunt lived in "The Bay" and every year since I was born, my family loaded up in the car and made our annual trip to visit. Not once did we ask "Can we go somewhere else?" We all hold SUCH fond memories of those trips and it tore us apart to see what Katrina did. My grandparents (The Ancaroni's) and my great aunt (Vera Brewer) lived on Citizen Street for years. My great aunt refused to leave for Camille and luckily, her home was spared (she lived on the "good" side of the tracks, which saved the house). My grandparents and great aunt have since passed, and I can't imagine them having to see Bay St. Louis today. It would be too much for them. I just got back from a trip to New Orleans for a family reunion and saw the devastation there as well. For those critics who say "why do people live there?"...the same can be said for all parts of the U.S...California has earthquakes, in the Midwest we are prone to tornados. Yet plenty of people live in those areas! Every area has its potential for disasters. But every area has its beauty and charm as well, and that is why people stay. God bless you people of Bay St. Louis and surrounding areas. We love you and are praying for you!
Denise Mordaunt, Chicago, IL (Sent Aug 2, 2006 7:51:19 PM)
Hey Aunt Betty and Uncle Pete,
We just wanted you to know that all of our hearts are going out to you guys. We love you and you're in our prayers. Good luck with the house.
Brook, Kathy, Sam, Mick, and Cruz Benvenutti (Sent Nov 9, 2006 10:30:42 PM)
Might I also add my warm and heart-felt sympathies to Mr. & Mrs. B - that's what my sister and I called Pete and Betty Benvenutti when we were growing up with their daughter MaryBeth and son Patrick. These are two people who opened their home and their hearts to everyone in the community of Bay St. Louis and beyond. Over the years and the miles I have lost touch with the Benvenutti family but there are no memories of my years growing up on the Gulf Coast that do not include their family. On many Sunday mornings I think back to my teen years and can still hear Mrs. B call upstairs to the Dorm (in later years when the boys grew up and moved out, the girls moved into the Dorm), "MaryBeth, girls time to get up for Church." We would reluctantly climb out of bed, get dressed and join the Benvenutti family for Sunday mass at the little Chapel. I will never forget I watched my first episode of Saturday Night Live in their family room. There were the New Year's Eve parties like no one else could put on but the Benvenutti family. So many happy memories I had in that house, with that family, in that wonderful town of Bay St Louis. I am originally from New Orleans which also suffered after Katrina blew through and it was sad to return and see the mess there. But when I went home to BSL Thanksgiving weekend 2005 and saw the devastation it truly broke my heart and I still cry when I think of all that was lost.
I still have a few friends that live in the area and no one that is not living through this crisis can understand what these people are going through still. One friend wrote to me just a few days ago and said these days when they go out they see with tunnel vision, they look past the debris still hanging from the trees, they look past the empty lots where their friends and family lived - they have to because one can only take so much of the looking close.
Mr. and Mrs. B, you and your entire family are in my prayers and in my thoughts and I know that one day soon the sound of loving voices and the shouts of happy children (albeit grand- and I would venture to say great-grandchildren's voices) will once again be echoing through the rooms and the yard at 114 Felicity Street. God Bless you all.
Warmly,
Michelle (Soulie') Lennon, Norfolk, VA (Sent Nov 11, 2006 12:35:04 PM)
Betty and Pete, my heart goes out to you. Although I am on dry land now, I was stationed 7 yrs in Ft Walton Beach, FL and retired from the USAF at Keesler AFB in Biloxi and loved it there. I can easily understand why people live on the Gulf Coast; the water and beach are beautiful, the live oaks glorious, the casinos exciting and the neighbors great. I lived on a bayou in a leased house in D'Iberville and owned a house in Ocean Springs-both washed out now. I rode out Hurricane Georges in 98 and felt that was scary enough. All you Gulf Coasters rebuild strong and deep!! I'll be back with grandkids.
Kenneth Wainner , Col, USAF (ret), Edmond, Ok (Sent Jan 17, 2007 1:08:53 PM)
Dear Benvenutti Family,
I have fond memories of you. My grandparents were Harry and Retta Wardell. I have kept you and your family in my prayers since I knew Katrina was on its way. I am so glad to hear your family is safe. Can you tell me if Mama Retta's house is still standing? God Bless, Rebecca Norton Helm
Rebecca Norton Helm, Mabelvale, Arkansas (Sent Feb 25, 2007 3:52:59 PM)
I lived in Waveland for 22 years, am back in Upstate New York, I do miss the wonderful people. I am always amazed when people ask me about the hurricane, we were not in a flood zone, never have seen one. But, then again, now there are fires in California and they have been there before, no one ever questions them about there insurance, etc. Or why they would rebuild yet again, it is more likely, or as likleythat a fire will burn a house in CA down than a Katrina to hit the MS coast again. Why is it that no one thinks that is crazy??
Michelle Johnston, Plattsburg, NY (Sent Nov 17, 2007 8:41:29 AM)
To the know-it-alls who can simplify all problems to their own level so they can understand it:
We had water in our yard but not the house in Camile. We lived on Boardman, two blocks from the Benvenutti's. My mother got flood insurance right after Camile and carried it until 2003. When my mother went to pay her house insurance that year, her State Farm agent told her she was wasting money on flood insurance since we were not in the flood zone. Now what would you do if your agent gave you advice that saves you money?
BTW--State Farm paid a total of $800 for food lost in 2 freezers. The adjuster also told me in Oct 2005 that State Farm would reimburse us for clean-up related expenses.
However since Oct 2005 State Farm refuses to answer our calls or letters. Guess that's our fault too.
M Wolfe Bay St Louis Ms (Sent Dec 22, 2007 5:45:31 PM)
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