Good title: "Half past apolcalypse." I think it helps for people far away to understand that this was a storm of apocalyptic size and power. This was not your normal tornado, storm surge, or storm winds, and it will not be the normal "pull yourself up by your bootstraps" recovery either. How wonderful to hear of so many signs of renewal and always to hear that people are encouraging each other. To survive is no simple and easy thing...and the coast is full of survivors...not victims...Let them take time out to laugh and enjoy life "laissez le bons temps roulles..." it's good for the spirit and for the whole community. God bless you all and guide you!

i think it is very nice that the people of the area can enjoy themselves after katrina. are the animals who are now in shelters getting some of this fun also?or atleast an extra meal for the celebration?

I believe that the people of the Katrina affected (I, unfortunately, am one) need to feel normal and happy, even if it's just for a while. I would like to point out that Washington Parish Louisiana has been largely over-looked. We in Washington Parish were not hit nearly as bad as the Gulf Coast, but were one of the hard hit areas. Washington Parish is mostly timberland. It breaks my heart to see that the forests are no longer in a marketable condition. So, the logging companies are cutting down all of the trees. It's depressing to see acre after acre with noting but tree stubs sticking out of the ground. I feel that I will not in my life time see an undamaged landscape. Eden, Washington Parish

I so admire the strength and courage that I see and read about, all these devestated people being so strong and holding their heads high and being able to still share a part of their past with us.

What really amazes me is their ability NOT to be bitter; but to just keep focused ahead.

I don't think I could be that strong.

I have a new-found respect for ALL New Orleaners'.

Vicki - We are not from New Orleans, Louisiana. We are from MISSISSIPPI. They are two totally different places with two totally different outlooks on the way things are these days!

What makes me still ill to this day is that the very government of this country could care less about these people. It should not take 6 months, to clean up, to get a semblance of life back, to feel safe in your own home. Stop spending money on this ridiculous, war (vietnam II) and help the people in this country to live their lives, re instate their lives and be educated. Sigh..

Lori,

sorry; I guess I'm REALLY trying to say how much I admire ALL of you who went through the devistation of Katrina!!! Send me an e-mail, I am very interested in the "difference" you mentioned.

vicki

I so agree with Miranda, also ALL the money being used to fund "space exploration" when we have so many people RIGHT HERE who need help and assistance !!!!!!

Everybody wants help in their own area right now. Just how do you do it all at one time, in such a large area of needs? We all like to please everbody at one time, but it is just not humanly possible to please everybody, everywhere, all the time, and at all the same instant of time.

It is one of the unfortunate disasters in life that makes such an impact to our culture. If our western society were as we pronounce to the rest of the world so humanitarian, why do those in our country suffer as such?

Do you americans believe, that this was the last hurricane season :D lought out loud. The hurricane season of 2006 is going to be as hvy as the 2005's. So it's useless to build a city up again if your city is under the sea level and sinking even deeper. You should clean it up and allow the nature do the rest turning it back to swampy area :D

It sure would be nice if OUR government started taking care of OUR people right HERE in the USA. I'm all for helping out all the humans around the world who are in need of assistance, but NOT at the expense of all our own citizens who are suffering. We need to take care of our own, nurture what we have right here in the USA so we have a future generation that is willing to continue to help out the rest of the world when another disaster strikes, and it will. It always does. Just like death and taxes, it happens. We Americans need to continue to remind our leaders that our own citizens are without hearth and home right now, in MANY areas of the south that was hit by Katrina and Rita. We need to help re-establish their lives and THEN we can go out into the world and lend a hand to others. My heart breaks for all you lovely people that have HAD to be tough and find your way through this all. God bless you ALL.

"Half past Katrina's apocalypse, 50 percent of the debris -- more than 3.5 million cubic tons" -- What is a cubic ton?

I got home late last night from my first trip to the Mississippi Gulf coast since Katrina. I can't put into words how overwhelmed it made me feel and I can't even imagine how the hurricane victims feel. All the rubble, trash, dead trees, trashed ocean, junk cars, etc. (I could go on and on). To see the destruction in person is totally different than seeing it on the web or on TV and my eyes couldn't convince my logical thinking that it's been 6 months since Katrina hit. It literally looks worse than pictures I'd seen of Hiroshima...literally. Imagine a stretch of over 27 miles (get in your car and drive for 27 miles to gauge the actual distance) of mountainous waves crashing into people's homes and businesses and even then you can't imagine the look of the scenery. The Mississippi Gulf Coast recovery should be first and foremost on our government's list of "things to do"...as an American citizen, I am appalled at how long it's taking to clean up the mess left behind; it enrages me. Our brothers and sisters need help - our help - and it hurts to see them living in campers (that are built for recreation to begin with, not as living quarters) and tents and yes, even vehicles. There are still Red Cross Relief Centers set up for people to go to receive food and water...I saw them with my own eyes. I'm on a crusade to spread the word that action needs to be taken NOW, YESTERDAY!!!! God bless and keep you all.

It was refreshing to read an update on Katrina without it being about New Orleans. As a regular visitor to the Mississippi Gulf Coast for the last 30 years, it was good to hear that that Mardi Gras was celebrated in Bay St. Louis and Waveland this year. With all the attention on the party in NO, the "outside world" wouldn't know about the Mardi Gras traditions all along the LA-MS-AL coast.

i grew up in alexandria louisiana in the 40s and 50s...almost every summer, we drove the few hundred miles to the gulf coast for vacation.. and of course, went right through bay st. louis...i cannot imagine what all of you who are there, have gone through and are still enduring...to me, it was a beautiful place, warm, sunny, sand, water, beautiful homes....my memories of the blessing of the shrimp fleet are pretty vivid....i cannot imagine what it all must look like now...god bless you all...my heart is with you

To the poster who suggested abandoning New Orleans: how many of our cities are on fault lines, or near volcano's, or on floodplains? Heck, you can't farm half this country without powered irrigation. Life is fragile. Would you suggest that people abandon L.A. or San Francisco because of that? The only response is to do what people in New Orleans are doing: rebuild, and rebuild better than before.

Im one of the displaced from Katrina. And I want to thank each of you who have extended your best wishes and at least tried to have a sense of understanding of what so many of us went through. My family and I were so overwhelmed by the gracious giving of others and we are witness to how God can work through tragedy by people you never knew were around. Because when I look back so many years from now and remember, it will be the generosity and love that came out of that nightmare called "Katrina".

So nice to read a story that does not focus on New Orleans. The media seems to have forgotten the people to the east and to the west that have lost as much (and more for those south of NO who's homes and land will forever remain under water) as the ones in NO. I have been gone from the SE Louisiana coast for many years. Most of the places I knew growing up are gone, wiped away. Holly Beach is gone. Johnson's Bayou was pretty much wiped out, but there are people returning and they have started school again in portable buildings (not furnished by any federal agency, I understand). Cameron's courthouse is open again, but homes and businesses will be a long time coming. The largest land area parish in Louisiana with several Wildlife Refuges and the fewest people suddenly has the fewest homes ever - even Audrey did not do this much damage.
My mother described the homes and businesses in Hackberry that are gone, re-opened or with blue-top roofs waiting for repair. And the Catholic Church will be re-built - they are already working on the roof to close it in before they start the interior.
Many people have nothing to go back to and will re-locate - they need jobs to feed their families and a place where their kids feel safe. But so many more are working to re-claim what has been lost. What will never be lost is the indomitable spirit that was shown when they KNEW they had to leave well before Rita hit and carried their elderly or auto-less neighbors with them. The spirit that had them braving the roadblocks and using boats across the marsh to check on the cattle and the homes they had lived in all their lives. The spirit that brought them back to help their neighbors clean up and re-build. The same spirit obvious to the writers of this article that shows through in Bay St. Louis and Waveland. People helping people and defying the label of victim. They are survivors and re-builders and make no mistake about it, the re-building will continue. With or without Govt help. Remember all these people along the Gulf Coast when you think you have it bad when your cable goes out or your battery dies. And if you remember, say a prayer and then go and do someone else a good turn.

Have you seen the Katrina disaster area? No matter what we think of our Government, there's not enough manpower in the entire U.S. to clean up "Katrina" in less than a year or two while maintaining necessary business elsewhere. Makes me wonder if we would now have the necessary manpower had 30,000,000+ babies aborted during the last 32 years been allowed to survive and grow!?

my goodness i never thought it was that bad I really want to wish everyone good luck in the future and to those who lost a loved one I'm very sorry for your loss I hope everyone who watches this video notices how very much they need our help.And if this video dosn't hit a soft spot in your heart you are very cold hearted and I don't now if my 3rd cousin was in it but I really hope she wasn't

In response to Max's entry, while its true that there will obviously be more hurricane seasons, your comment was probably the most insensitive, ignorant thing i've ever heard, Since New Orleans has survived over 200 hurricane seasons,it can obviously survive another,once proper levees are made. And by the way, good idea not listing your country's name, as they would probably be ashamed of having you as a citizen.
P.S. Its spelled laugh, not "lought"
P.P.S. Thanks for your insensitive comments " :D " they were really supportive of the great historic city of New Orleans, which is richer in culture, and music, than just about any city in the world, especially yours.

Regarding the comment that we can't please everyone all the time: sorry, but disaster recovery is not about merely "pleasing" all of our citizens--it is about providing absolutely essential services and accommodations--safe homes, utilities, reopened hospitals and schools and neighborhood shops. There is NOTHING on our national agenda more important than getting this done NOW.

I am a Canadian living on Vancouver Island, and have nothing but empathy for the people devastated by the storms. I have to ask myself when is enough enough with you your President. You people deserve better!!! no questions, I was once asked whom I respected in politically. My answer without hesitation was Bill Clinton. Then I was asked why, that answer was easy because in recent times I have never seen anyone so engaged in the Middle East Peace plan, in my opinion it is where most of the WORLDS problems eminate from, who cares about his sex life. You deserve better and I only wish there was more we as Canadians could do to help.

I also was displace by Katrina and now reside in Washington State. I cannot begin to tell you how wonderful EVERYONE has been. The Gulf Coast was my home for 18 years and I sorely miss being there.
No thank you would every begin to express how much the support and compassion of the citizens of the US has meant to all of us. Yes, it's slow rebuilding, but with continued faith and support - we ALL will overcome this obstacle.

Maria,
Such a Beautiful post !!!! And, you are so blessed to be able to look beyond and forward, without bitterness.

All the more proving the strength and courage you all are faced dealing with.

BUT; mostly, you SHARE your faith, and YES; I guess if there IS a message from all the horror of this, , IS MAYBE; that GOD IS trying to reach us all, and teach us the very simple lesson of caring, loving, and compassion.

WOW!!! Why can't we learn???

Hurricane Rita.....the forgotten storm...the forgotten people. thank you mr. president...and madam governor.

The hardships of our fathers and uncles who survived world wars and economic depressions earned them the title of "The Greatest Generation." How we overcome these latest tests of our resolve will determine how this generation will be seen.

Half past apocalypse...that sounds about right. I have been dealing with my own person crises and not been able to assist recovery like my giving heart would like, but I have been able to do at least a small part: helping to watch friends' cats while they travel to MS to help in recovery efforts. This American has not forgotten the Gulf Coast; I just wish that my thoughts and prayers were big enough to wrap all of you affected so you aren't so overwhelmed. While NO is mired in political bickering, its nice to see MS come together to help one another.

hello people i am 11 years old i think what happend is what god wantted but also i think it was one of the worst things ever evrey day i would sit down and wathc tv after school but not cartoons the news on katrina and arita i always made me cry and i am not making this up!!!

I have worked a lot of hurricanes and by far Katrina was the most devastating. It was also the most visible thanks to TV and the Web. With the 2006 Hurricane Season desending on us, I hope people who live in hurricane prone areas take it serious. Be a good scout and BE PREPARED.

I miss my hometown I wish everything would be the same before the hurricane Kartiana.

All of these on-going articles are beginning to frustrate me to no end that I can see. As yet, there isn't a single soul in any sector of the media asking the single most important issue this country may face before the end of July;

What in the world are these people to do when the next hurricane season blows in, promising to be just as bad and potentially worse (due to the Cambridge verified slowing of the Gulf Stream by 30% - and continuing), and what will our country do when AGAIN we see pumping and refinery shut downs that push petroluem prices even higher than what tension in the Middle East and South America promises.

Category 4 and 5 hurricanes are simply engines of destruction, and when they blow over a city, God help the good people that live there. When a category 3 hurricane blows over homes, businesses, and industry already damaged, what remains is only rubble.

That is precisely what everyone must address - and there is only a few months to do so.

Gregory from Holland, MI is 100% correct. The amount of debris and distruction is incredible. In order to remove debris the Corps of Engineers have brought huge dump trucks along with backhoes through our neighborhoods on a more than once a week basis. (for the past 6 months) Only a few of my neighbors had to demolish their homes, the rest of us had to gut our homes and throw out our furniture and appliances. Usually after only going to a couple of homes they have to take the load to the dump, then bring in another truck for a couple (and I mean 2 or 3) homes. There is just not enough time in the day to get rid of everything. Gregory is right, it will take years.
On top of the problem of where to put the trash, now we have such a shortage of building materials, household goods and most important laborers.
In order for the government to rebuild everyones homes as quickly as Presidents Bush's critics say we should, the Gulf Coast would need every single construction worker in the U.S. to be here on the coast for the next 2-3 years and every bit of construction material would need to be sent to the coast for the 5-6 years. Where will we put all of these construction workers??? There is no place for them to live.
We were hit by a 32 foot wall of water, it will take the Gulf Coast a long, long time to recover. BUT WE WILL!! Everything will be the same, but different.

If you really want to know the meaning of "Christian" don't go to the church on Sunday come to Waveland and see for yourself how much so many church groups of all denominations have given and sacrificed to help us. They have been here since the storm ended with every conceivable type of help - from food and water at first - to helping to clean out and rebuild houses. The government is doing what it can in the face of such an overwhelming diaster but much of the real progress is due to the help of these wonderful volunteers from all over the nation. Many of these people are living in tents themselves and still they give and give to help. There is no way to say "thanks" enough but I just wanted the volunteers and others outside the area to know that we are beginning to recover thanks in large part to the wonderful people who have sacrificed their own time, energy and money for our sake.

I love New Orleans, and the people there. I am from Marksville, Louisiana. We did not suffer like the coast did, as we are central, an inland. Our little town of 5000, took more than 7000 Katrina victims in. It is like this all over the south, in small towns. People are helping and giving what they can. We have little, but share what we got with the less fortunate. It will be years before N.O.La. will be cleaned up, and repaired. I believe where ever these people were "blown" by this storm, most will have to stay for a long time. God bless them, and hope that all our little towns will help heal the deep wounds, of this awful tragic event in everyones lives.

Stephanie from Maine - Thanks for your kind words! I assure you that keeping the pets so your friends can come help us is a perfect example of how EVERYONE doing what they can is making it possible for us to recover and regain our lives - and believe me, your thoughts and prayers ARE big enough to wrap all of us affected, so please keep them coming!

Well said, Elson.

To Elson in Waveland...I was down in D'Iberville in early November with a church group. Even more amazing than the destruction we saw was the resolve of the good people of Mississippi to rebuild and get on with life. I can't wait to come back down and help some more...and yes, I did sleep in a tent. The people of America love you and we WILL get through this together.

Elson,....guess all i can say...is thank you for writeing that comment...think you hit the nail on the head

My sister and I are fortunate that we live close enough to the MS coast we were able to help with relief efforts within days after Katrina hit. I say we are fortunate because we witnessed first hand the resolve of the residents to not only survive Katrina but be better and stronger because of her. It was humbling and inspiring to work beside people who put aside their own personal loss to care for neighbors, some friends and some strangers. This article reminded me of how amazing these people are and how no pictures or words can truly convey the level of devastation they have experienced. REMEMBER the residents of the MS gulfcoast and REMEMBER they are still living with the aftermath of Katrina. This storm is not over for them.

T,Ryan?....why wuz that woman on our a** .....all we said .....wuz this is about MISSISSIPI.....SH**....i'm still confused.....Da**it

Andy - I know - hell, I have thought about her on and off since then - it was kind of freaky - Actually, I know this girl with the same name from Slidell and thought at first she was just kidding with me. 80% of the people I work with are from Slidell and they are all living in REAL homes and apts. and they have their malls open, bars, grocery stores - all of us in Bay/Wav are spending all our money there because they are the closest place with stores open (30mi away) - I began to kind of have fun with it - maybe she will come back for more!! Hang in there and by the way, I really like your comments - sensible and funny!!

Thank you Elson for those remarks. The volunteers who have come to Waveland to help us rebuid have not only rebuilt our homes, but have also rebuilt our spirit. I've not really watched the news that much since we've come home, been busy rebuilding my life and the life of our community. Just like everybody here, I have good days and bad days. This week has been especially difficult. Everyday I get up before daylight to the sound of those trucks getting an early start on debris removal, and I check in on this site. Before today, the hateful, mean remarks made me question my decision to come home. I would catch myself thinking about them throughout the day. A wonderful thing happened this week....a group of volunteers began working on the home across the street from me. Their energy and spirit has encouraged me and removed all doubt of weather I should rebuild or not. For the first time in 6 months I heard the sound of laughter and joy in my neighborhood.......AND IT WAS JOYFUL!!! I have not had groups of volunteers helping on my home, as there are so many more people here who need it more, but I am none the less greatful for their infectious determination. They have helped me more than they could ever imagine. Just by being here.

Thank you James and Brock for helping tell our story. We will never forget your kindness.

Can anyone tell me why....The U.S.A. supports almost every 3rd world country?....most don't even like us{i fact most hate us} but they beg for our money...our bucks should go to Americans who need help ....shoot ....had ta vent....saw where Bolivia...was only getting 67M. of our tax dollars...and their PISSED...to only get 67M.....gee I think Americans could use that money....but I guess i'm just DUM...makes ya wonder ....how much do we send countrys that support terriosts?

Reading DeAnn's post, I can't help but agree. The most inspirational part of this entire experience is the PEOPLE of MS. We were there in November to work with our church group. The devastation is horrible, the toll it has taken on the land and property is indescribable, but the miracles we witnessed and the spirit of the people of MS have changed our lives. It was our PRIVILEGE to go to MS. Our lives are richer because you, the people of MS, were such a blessing to US. Tears come to my eyes even now when I think of people like Al and Jan and Mr. James and little baby Eli that we met through our work with Lutheran Episcopal Disaster Relief at Camp Coast Care in Long Beach. Our deepest THANKS and humble appreciation goes out to all of you. Our prayers remain with you. You have inspired a nation.

Thank you Cher! You bring tears to MY eyes! I have ALWAYS been very proud to be from Bay St. Louis, but because of words like yours, I am prouder than ever and I will stay and rebuild every year if necessary - at my own expense if need be!!

Man...T. i have known a girl by that name too... nutty as a fruitcake.....she may have been thrown....in a parade!!!!.....still say i'll take the beads....leave da fruitcake alone

T.? can I send some E- mails all will be funny or cute....nothing bad because i open them before i pass them on...sent you a couple hope ya got em

Andy - you are funny as hell!

seems even though i don't know what a lot of the people on these blogs even look like...folks from here...there...everywhere....if your comments have been positive...or if your actions are positive...you have a friend in me!!!...love ya all

Well, I finally realized that the best way for me to help is to pack up my camp trailer & head south. Can't believe how difficult it has been to find a location and organization able to accept my wife and I as volunteers (it's taken 3 months of emails & calls!)but no matter, were on our way on the 15th of April. Heading to Abbeville on this 1st trip & plan on returning to a different location for a week every 6 months or so (at least until my enlistment in the Army is up in 3 years). Regardless of who or where you were located geographically during Katrina/Rita, my family's thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Your courage is an inspiration to us all.

Thanks, SFC and wife. Ya'll will be welcome with open arms. People like you are what makes America a good place. It still amazes me how so many people have come to help.

I live in Long Beach, Ms. We were one block from the beach. Needless to say, WERE is the operative word. When we meet people just about anywhere, even a year later, the question is "how did you do in the storm". Our answer is: "South of the tracks, but we are okay now. We are one of the fortunate ones to find a new home." You would not believe how welcome that train horn blowing was when we first heard it. We have been so blessed by the charitable deeds of so many. We could not be as far into recovery as we are if it were not for the church based organizations, students, and yes, even the migrant workers. We miss our live as it was. But, with a little "gittin' used to", we will love our new life too. This week we are having Cruisin' the Coast. We were not able to have it last year. Even if people had wanted to come, there were no hotel rooms for them to stay. We have some now and people are even opening their homes for cruisers to come and enjoy our rebirth! Ya'll come to see us when ya can, now ya hear!