It's been five months since Hurricane Katrina hit here in Bay St. Louis and Waveland and the rest of Hancock County. It was five months ago that life for us as we knew it here ended.
There's no more of jumping in the car and running out to the grocery, going out to eat on a Saturday night or going over to friends for dinner. Mainly because, even after five months, we don't have a grocery here -- it's in Diamondhead, a 20 to 30 minute drive and a good 30 minute wait in line. Or because there are only about 5-6 restaurants open, but most close by 8 p.m. and some are not even open on Saturday nights. Or because our friends don't have homes where they can host friends for dinner. They either live away never to return, with friends or family, in tents or in FEMA trailers.
Oh yes, things are getting better. Where I work at the library, we are opening up more of the building for use by the public. We are providing services, but we have lost two branches and 10 employees. See our damage by going to the libraries' Web site.
Things are better. Every weekend the puppy dog and I ride around and see what's happening. I guess it's my way of healing. As I see debris removed on the streets, or houses torn down for rebuilding or more people moving onto their properties in trailers, it seems to help me heal.
You see, for those of you who have never read my blog, I was born here and have been here all my life. And this is my home that Hurricane Katrina devastated. So, as I see things improving and more businesses opening and more people returning, I can heal and hope that one day my hometown will return.
But I know it will never be the same. When you realize that for seven miles of beachfront property here not one home stands, then maybe you can fathom the destruction. People still walk around with a dazed look on their faces. I saw a man yesterday walking down the highway with two plastic grocery bags in his hands, the only possessions he has and he had a dazed look on his face. Or you still see people on their property sifting through the debris for those special parts of their lives that washed away. Any little item is a precious find to them.
Or take into consideration the fact that we do not have a bridge to cross the Bay of St. Louis. Now we have to travel one hour as compared to a trip that used to take 10 minutes. And our bridge will not be replaced until April, 2007.
As for me, I have finally heard from the SBA that I am eligible for a loan. Yet I have to find a way to pay the mortgage I currently have and pay the SBA mortgage. And I have heard from the Corps of Engineers that they will be here someday to tear my house down so I can rebuild. My neighbor and friend has drawn my house plans for me, and I have been looking at appliances, flooring, etc. That's kind of exciting but scary.
So, that's what it's like here after five months. It seems like just yesterday and then it seems like it's been forever.
Song speaks of hurricane
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i for one think i have read all your blogs...thanks Mary and continue to keep us updated!...and don't be scared..be excited...cause you will soon have a new HOME!!!
andy,booneville ms. (Sent Feb 10, 2006 8:34:39 AM)
Mary, I pray for all of you every night. My sister also lost a home in Kiln and we had never ventured any further than that until last week.
For those who haven't been there, it's still heartbreaking and even a little scary. All you see are broken trees, broken homes, and empty lots. As you said, life as we knew it came to a standstill that August day. And it's sad that my kids won't be able to enjoy the Coast as we knew it. But with everybody's help and prayers, they will one day have a "Coast" to enjoy. May God bless you and keep you in His prayers while you move on with your life.
Sue - Hattiesburg (Sent Feb 10, 2006 9:00:27 AM)
You are so strong. I live 90 miles from the Coast, and we had a lot of damage from downed trees, but NOTHING like ya'll. My house had three trees fall on it, and even though my roof is still not fixed, at least it doesn't leak. We're just waiting in line for the roofer. But you on the Coast, you have so much more to deal with. I can't imagine what it must be like for you all. I admire you all so much for persevering. Thinking of ya'll on the Coast really puts my small problems in perspective. YOU ARE SO STRONG.
Jane, Southern Mississippi (Sent Feb 11, 2006 1:41:21 AM)
Mary - Thanks for your post! I too, was born and raised in the Bay and have lived here my whole life - you hit the nail on the head - driving around, seeing small improvements each day, helps me heal also! You are right, it will probably never be the same - but as long as the people in the Bay maintain our great spirit, our hard working attitudes and our love of our town, we can have that great little town again - the buildings may look different, but the spirit of the people here will always make the Bay "A Place Apart"! We were strong people before the storm, but nothing compared to the strength we will possess when we are back on our feet!! Hang in there and thanks to you and all the library staff for providing us with all the services you have offered since the storm.
T. Ryan (Sent Feb 11, 2006 12:22:47 PM)
I too am trying to get started on rebuilding our house that was under 12 ft. water. Have days where I rather just not deal with it and move on or stay in this rental house. But I know I won't do that (my husband would have a fit). At least one of us is keeping up the energy level or at least he is trying to be brave for my benefit. We'll get it done and so will you Mary. You and the puppy keep driving around town and one day SOON things will seem brighter.
mary, pass christian (Sent Feb 11, 2006 3:03:50 PM)
Mary, thank you for the honest look of what your reality is like. It is sometimes difficult to remember that so many of my fellow Americans still suffer horribly because of the storm when you live so far away from the destruction, as I do. My biggest "worry" these days are whether it will snow, and how much when it gets here. Thank you for your insight, and I'm glad to hear things are looking a little brighter.
Stephanie Umbro, Maine (Sent Feb 11, 2006 5:31:29 PM)
Hello Mary, I don't know if you remember me or not, but glad to hear you are okay. I agree, things are getting better, just very slowly. I never ceases to amaze me the small things that are exciting to me now. Like having your lot cleared where your house once stood, or having dirt brought in so it at least looks like a buildable lot. We never thought things would be normal after Camille either, but they were, it just took time, like this will. But, we are a people of strong resolve and lots of faith and God willing we will be stronger and better when this is done. Hang in there!
Marybeth Gex Denney, Waveland, Mississippi (Sent Feb 12, 2006 12:18:45 PM)
hi there....this is for everyone who posts these wonderfully inspirational writings. I live in northern Minnesota, a whole continent away....my son and his family live in Long Beach, and survived the storm in rural Pass Christian at her parents' home...we did make an emergency trip down with 50 gallons of gas for the generator the Sat after the storm, as 19 people were in the house. I can come down this spring 2 or 3 times, each time for 2 weeks or so. Is there a relief organization that you can tell me about that I could join up with? my son has been too busy working and repairing his home and the school to do research for me......thanks everyone....
Judy Olson, Two Harbors Minnesota (Sent Feb 13, 2006 1:02:34 PM)
Mary,
I just came accross your story on the interent. Our organization has been working in the gulf coast doing Hurricane Katrina relief since September. We want to continue to be a blessing to people there in any way possible. Please feel free to contact me if you know of any specific way we can help those in your area. I am with a Christian organization that has actively helped people in many ways and will continue to do so. I pray for your area regularly.
Scott Wood, Coastal Miss (Sent Feb 13, 2006 3:24:50 PM)
Hi Mary, I just came across this website and was glad to see posts from people in Bay St. Louis. My Father & Stepmother live in Bay St. Louis. My Father was born and raised there. I love the town its such a great place to visit and knowing it will take time I think it will come back. My Dad and Stepmom are going to move further away from the water which is hard for me. We love visiting and being so close to the beach. They are telling me the property is only 17 miles from where they live. My husband and I came down the weekend after Katrina hit due to we had not been able to talk to them. We were overtook with emotion we did what we could to help them clean up in the short time we were there. I speak to them 1 or 2 times a week and My stepmom tells me how long it takes to grocery shop due to there are only a few places to go and the lines are so long. We have sent them such simple things that they were not able to get there. It is going to be a long process so hang in there and were rooting for all down there. By the way My Dad is Albert Piazza, who knows you may know him.
You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Tracy Dickerson
Louisville, KY
Tracy Dickerson (Sent Feb 13, 2006 7:47:22 PM)
Mary, What a blessing to find healing in each little step. Your diary has me crying again. Surely the Bay will heal and will come back. Everyone needs time and grace and prayers and so many more things. Know that we are praying for you all and that the things that made the Bay such a wonderful place to be are just a heartbeat away, in the neighbor who is still thinking of you, the soft breeze that provides such a peaceful presence, the glimmering water and the faith and determination of people who can still laugh and rejoice among the rubble, because they have survived. I will pray that the obstacles you face are removed and that your heart will continue to be lifted with each mile you drive. God bless you!
Laurie, CO (Sent Feb 13, 2006 8:33:29 PM)
Hello Mary, Thank you so much for taking the time to share with all of us what is happening in your world. Look at all you have come through in the past five months... take a step back...don't be afraid of the mortgage, if you made it this far you will find a way. I admire your courage, honesty and sharing. God Bless.
Penny, Mooresville, NC (Sent Feb 14, 2006 8:17:36 AM)
everyone's comments here are positive...that make me smile....i think we need more blogs from Mary!!!
andy,booneville ms. (Sent Feb 15, 2006 10:51:37 AM)
Mary, my heart goes out to all the forgotten victims of Hurricane Katrina. I live in Texas and hear all of the stories of The New Orleans Victims. My family reside in Sabine Pass, TX. This is my home away from home and I have watched the houses being torn down there.(Hurricane Rita) Mostly everyone there has lost the homes that they were raised in and raised their children in. I pray for all the victims in of the Hurricanes. I hope that some how all of the communities heal and someday capture the spirit that made them special..........that made them home. Blessings come in many ways. Stay strong and everthing will work out. I will keep you in my prayers
Christi, Hempstead, TX (Sent Feb 23, 2006 2:40:36 PM)
Mary, havn't heard from ya ....send more updates....all news is good news!!!
andy,ms (Sent Mar 1, 2006 10:33:23 PM)
Hello Mary. I just returned to Indianapolis from visiting my mother in Gulfport and I feel for each and every one of you! My mother and I drove for over 12 miles on 90 (Beach Blvd.) and only then did I get a real sense of the mass destruction - it went on and on and on. Hang in there Mary; I'm spreading the word to everyone I talk to that our Mississippi Gulf Coast is nothing but rubble and I tell of how the people still so desperately need our help. God bless you!
Stacey, Indianapolis (Sent Mar 2, 2006 4:28:42 PM)
Ms. Mary,
I have read your blogs but havent responded to any until now. I am doing so now because it would be a heartbreak for you to quit now.
When my step-dad moved us from Houston, Tx to the Kiln in 1979 I was a stupid little kid. I may be the same now but not as bad as then. I went to the library in the Bay after I had worn out the small one in the Kiln. It was as fine as any in Houston OR "Nawlins'".
You, the natives, the people who shaped my step-dad, ya'll are the ones who gave me what personal character, morals, values, ethic that I have today. I may not have used them as best as I should have, but you guys gave them too me. Free of charge & with a smile.
I hope this mail finds you & yours well and consider yourself prayed for.
Thank you,
greg cleek
phoenix, az.
greg c. phoenix,az (Sent Mar 23, 2006 2:29:55 AM)
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