I know I haven't reported in a while. I was trying to get the slab for my new house poured. But for now, I will write on.
Ah, the sounds of progress. You hear tractors clearing lots, moving dirt. You hear houses going up with hammering, sawing, etc. There are a lot of homes being built, businesses making repairs or renovating other buildings. It's all a sign of progress. A good sign at that. It's slow, but sure. And we are about to pass the eight month milestone in just 11 days.
You know, it's sort of surreal. It is like Hurricane Katrina was just a bad dream and we will all wake up soon and it will be over. But, I know that is not the way it works. Sometimes I wonder how we live here in the midst of all the chaos, the uncertainty, the pain of loss and the joy of moving forward. The stress is sometimes unbearable. I think once I have the slab for my house, I will feel as though I have gone 500 miles forward. But, just seeing the empty lot across the street from my trailer is hard. Sometimes I dream about the wonderful times spent in that house, the fun my sister and neighbors had playing together. There's something about where you grew up, where you played, cried, and all those other emotions. It never leaves you.
So, now, I have to create new memories, new emotions. I know that will come in time. We just have to keep plugging away, keep moving forward. Somehow we will be able to preserve some of our history, and make new history. Those of us who were born here, raised here and have spent our lives here, will never forget the past that Katrina washed away. We will hold those memories deep in our hearts and souls, and we will tell them to others coming up so they can be preserved.
Read Mary's last diary entry about the demolition of her house
So, for an update. Things around here are much cleaner looking. Every week a new restaurant or business opens up. Wal-Mart has opened more of their building now. And the traffic is even picking up. Still no grocery store. But several meat markets are preparing to open and provide the things we need from a grocery store/meat market. So, many of us have just decided that we don't care that no grocery wants to come in here. We will get around the situation. And, woe to a grocery when they do decide to come in, because they may have lost some that market share.
I guess that's it for now. My plans should be ready this week, and then I go to get the building permit. Then things will then start to move a little faster, I hope.
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Mary, I am so encouraged to hear your courage and am happy that things are moving forward for you. It is surreal and I know everyone wishes that they could wake up and it would be the way it was before. Because of you and your love and story telling, and that of so many others, the past will be preserved and passed on. I thank God that no storm is powerful enough to wipe away love and memories. I pray for everyone still in the Bay daily, and I too, wonder how you all have the courage and strength to keep on going, in the midst of the uncertainty and the pain, and all the things that were once simple, but now are difficult. But then I remember the feel of the ever-present breeze blowing softly, the sound of the waves lap lapping at the shore and the peaceful shimmering expanse of the Bay, just outside the door, and all the lovely friends and traditions that are part of the rhythm of life on the coast. There are sources of inspiration and comfort just built into the Bay, by our Creator. I'm glad. It is beyond belief, but I know that you are all being made stronger and more wonderful by this experience. I am particularly praying that the coast will be sheltered and protected this season, and that you all will be able to reclaim the easy joy of life on the coast, amidst family and dear friends. Thank you so much for writing another update!
Laurie, CO (Sent Apr 18, 2006 3:45:17 PM)
Mary - it is always a pleasure to read your articles. Yes, definitely progress is being made in the Bay/Waveland area. You hit the nail on the head - it is so "surreal" sometimes. I have my trailer on my mom's property, which only had the front porch slab left - the home where her and my dad lived for over 50yrs and the home where my 5 siblings and I grew up - sometimes I just sit and look out the window at the empty lot and cannot believe it really happened! Don't get me wrong, I am not in denial and I know we are not unlike the vast majority of everyone in town, but I too, wish I would wake up and it be a dream! But as we know, it is for real! We are resilient people here and no, it won't ever be the same, but think about it like this: once everything is back, it will ALL be brand new! Hang in there and together we will always be “A Place Apart”!
T.Ryan
TR (Sent Apr 18, 2006 9:25:41 PM)
I know that it is hard right now to see it, but think of the memories those of you are making right now. Your tenacity to hold true to what you love is amazing. One day, in the not so distant future, you will look into the face of a younger person and tell them of your experiences. Your memories will then be of the love, friendships, and faith that rebuilt our beautiful Gulf Coast.
Belinda McLain, Laurel, MS (Sent Apr 18, 2006 10:43:10 PM)
Mary, thank you for the update. I was wondering how you've been doing and if anything else had happened now that the house has been removed. I was an infant when my parents build the house where I grew up. I don't remember the construction, but someone took a picture of my dad holding me as he stood on the edge of the foundation (we don't use slabs here). He looks thrilled, and I have a silly grin on my face. I imagine that you will have a combination of those looks when things really start moving for you. And, of course, your expressions will be magnified, as each step moves you closer to moving from a Katrina survivor to an average American! Hugs to you, Mary, and keep your courage!
Stephanie Umbro, Maine (Sent Apr 19, 2006 4:12:47 AM)
memories stay with you forever....i would not trade my memories for anything...but we all just have to go forward....you get that new house built...and then there will be new memories....blessings!
andy,booneville ms. (Sent Apr 20, 2006 9:01:51 AM)
God bless you and your new home with new memories. Go forward, like Andy says. Never forget your history - where you've come from, where you've been and most importantly, where you are going from here.
Cher (Sent Apr 21, 2006 2:18:00 PM)
Mary, you are in my thoughts and prayers daily. Know that even though we may never meet, you have a friend in me. I am happy that you are moving ahead and that you are excited about your new home. It will be fun picking out the paint colors and maybe even changing the house plans a little. You know how we women are. Keep your memories and share them with others, and then go on ahead and make new memories. The new ones can be silver and the old ones can be gold, if I may very broadly paraphrase Walt Whitman.
Jane, Southern Mississippi (Sent Apr 26, 2006 11:46:40 PM)
Mary, I know your pain my mom's house was just bulldozed this week on Red Street. We lost my dad 3 years ago and now it feels like we are losing him all over again will all of his hard work that had been done to the house not to mention all the belongings that held so many memories. It is hard to move on but your inspiring entries have helped with the inspiration to try and look forward and find some type of good. Thank you
Justine, Bay St. Louis,MS (Sent Apr 28, 2006 3:23:45 PM)
Justine, my daddy died 6 years ago today. I miss him every day, and I know you miss your daddy. Even though his house he worked on so hard is gone, just look in the mirror and you'll see him in yourself, in your strength. He'll always be in your heart. May God bless you and your family.
Jane, Southern Mississippi (Sent Apr 29, 2006 1:52:04 AM)
Jane, that comment brought tears to my eye.....a man ain't suppost to do that....sh** i love you all....even though i don't know ya....stay STONG!!!
andy,booneville ms. (Sent May 1, 2006 9:11:46 PM)
What a sad story.
Pepy Nom,Seattle, Wash (Sent May 4, 2006 4:58:23 PM)
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