BAY ST. LOUIS, Miss. — When we last spoke to Camille Tate three weeks ago, she was still agonizing over whether to commit to the stress and expense of rebuilding her bungalow on Main Street or leave town.
Tate is 69 years old, after all, and she's a real estate agent, so she knows very well just how daunting a task it would be to go through with rebuilding. Even so, she says now, she's going to do it. "I know I'm going to have a home here in Bay St. Louis."
But don't think for a minute that means things are any easier. She still hasn't seen a penny of her insurance money — not that she's expecting all that much, anyway. Even though she's one of the lucky ones who had some flood insurance (through the Federal Emergency Management Agency), she says that will probably amount to no more than $9,000.
She says "I have no idea" how much it'll cost her to rehabilitate the home, which was rendered uninhabitable by 5 feet of floodwater.
It's still as hard as ever, but with the passage of time, the extreme swings of fortune and emotion have flattened, Tate says. There are good days and bad days, but "it's all kind of even now. At least I'm not walking in mud now."
Progress is measured in isolated victories. Workers finally came Tuesday to take away her refrigerator. "Can you imagine the odor in there?" she asks. "It's kind of funny the kinds of things we cheer for."
And it's enough to keep her home. "I don't think I can leave here," she says. "I love it."
Coming to grips
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I think of everyone involved in Katrina at least once a day and wonder how everything is progressing. You have been through more than any person can be expected to endure but you still go forward and I, as an American citizen born and bred on this land, am so proud of you and only hope that when and if something like this were to happen to me or my family that I could be as strong and determined as you are. I also hope and pray that we as Americans do not stop the donations of time and money to assist you in rebuilding your homes and lives.
Judy LaPoint, Bethel, CT (Sent Nov 10, 2005 2:20:03 PM)
It is good to see that we accept that we are not the builders of this land but rather the caretakers. Just as God built the Universe, Mother Nature is the caretaker, all things will pass. Amen
Jimmy White, Woodbine, GA (Sent Nov 10, 2005 7:17:12 PM)
I am so pleased to hear that Camille is staying! She sold us the land in Pass Christian that we bought about 12 years ago. We built a wonderful house, it burned 2 years ago and we then lost everything. We were in the process of rebuilding when the storm hit. Our neighborhood had 15 feet of water and higher on the bayou side of the road. Our structure was badly damaged by wind and surge. And like Camille we are going to start over. I've lived lots of places and I have never seen the spirit that the people have that live here.
mary, Pass Christian, MS (Sent Nov 10, 2005 7:47:09 PM)
Camille, you may have thought about leaving but where are you going to fine smiling face that greet you daily with hello, how are you??? No where else..only here in the South. That is the one thing that news reports can not emphasize enough....The southern hospitality is priceless...They'll never appreciate it until they visit. Words can not begin to portray the feelings of Southern hospitality. Give us a few years to rebuild, then come experience what you've never experienced "Southern Hospitality" I guarantee you'll be back....We'll leave the nights on for you.
Dora Fulton, Bay St. Louis, MS (Sent Nov 10, 2005 9:45:05 PM)
Dear Camille
It has been many years since we've spoken. I am glad that you have decided to stay. We are the strong ones, the ones that will rebuild this wonderful area. We know it's exceptional beauty. It has been 13 years since I had Weaver's Frame Studio and I miss it every day. I know that the bay will evolve into something even greater.
Renee
Renee Bay St. Louis MS (Sent Nov 15, 2005 9:16:52 PM)
Camille,
I'm so glad to see you're alive and well. Keep your chin up! Love ya.
Shannon Jenkins, Stockbridge, GA (Sent Nov 30, 2005 11:22:42 AM)
Thanks, Camille! We are so glad you are staying. We are looking forward to the day we can return.
Florence and Tom, Boulder, CO (Sent Dec 26, 2005 6:44:20 PM)
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