What an amazing weekend!
So in the whole rebuilding and refurbishing process of our new house, there have been a LOT of things to take care of -- painting the walls, putting in a floor, patching sheetrock, etc. -- and there are some things that just never get done. Little things, stupid things, like for instance the door knobs. The whole time we've lived in our house, we haven't gotten around to putting the doorknobs on (as most of our friends in Mississippi haven't!) and have either just used a very thorough "Cough, clear your throat, walk slowly and knock loudly" policy or used a strategically placed washcloth in the doorknob hole.
So, me and my big mouth, I'm joking to people that I want to get a group of volunteers in to put the doorknobs on for me, because it just seemed like such an overwhelming task! Anyway, one day I make this joke to our friend Elizabeth Wheatley, rector at Christ Episcopal Church, who tells me, "Well, you know, there's a group of volunteers coming in over Veteran's Day weekend." I was a bit taken aback, I mean, that's just a piddly little thing, and I really wouldn't want to take a group of volunteers away from some really important project for someone who really needs the help. Luckily, Elizabeth reminded me that these folks were coming down to help, and really were looking for things to do to make people's lives easier. So, OK, twist my arm, I let her put us on the list. And I am so glad I did. We have just spent the weekend with the nicest couple of couples from Virginia I've ever met. (Actually, I've never met a couple of couples from Virginia at all, but these folks were so nice it was like they were from Mississippi!)
At any rate, they were nice enough to come by and put on the doorknobs, and then I remembered ... The back porch still was only painted as high up as I could reach without a ladder, and, could they possibly help with that too? Well, they didn't mind, and wanted to come by Friday evening to scope out what the following day's project would be. Elizabeth set it up, and before I knew it, I had the privilege of standing on our back porch talking to Robby and Corine Barber and Greg and Corinne Price about what all would need to be done. After discussing what they'd need, and when we would start, I leaned against one of the staircase rails. Wouldn't you know it and to truly complete the "pathetic storm victim" scene) a huge "cccccrrrrrrAAACK!!" was heard, as the rail gave way, and I very nearly went off of the porch. (Honestly, I didn't rehearse that.) Sheepishly, I mentioned that this too, might go on the list of things to fix! Luckily, Greg and Robby seemed genuinely excited to tackle this and the other projects. This was about the time that I remembered that in the guest bathroom, there was a medicine cabinet still sitting on the floor (it came with the house) that could really stand to be hung, and would they mind taking care of that too? I was actually I little surprised that they didn't all take off running at this point.
But they didn't, and bright and early at 8 a.m. on Saturday, they got here and went straight to work. Robby and the Corrines were a blur of ladders and rollers and brushes, while Greg was busy hanging doors and being a generally good house elf. As I helped everyone paint, I had the pleasure of realizing what good company they were, and chuckling at there many stories about there lives, families and communities. Believe me, sometimes in our situation it takes some people from outside to look at what needs to be done, and help inspire or shame you into getting off your lazy hind end and getting it done.
I always like meeting new people, and I was able to make them laugh with my constant mistake-covering mantra of "It adds to the charm!" Again, me and my big mouth ... I'm flapping my gums about how eventually I plan to screen in the porch, when Robby asks me "Well, what did you have in mind about screening in the porch?" Well, honestly, what I had in mind was to do it sometime before next summer, because I really didn't have the resources to do it right now, but that's about the time when he said "We could do that, you know." Wow! So, in no time flat, he and Greg were speculating about what to do, and how to do it, and what would need to be done. ... So they all decided to devote their next two days here to us and our house. I really can't tell you what an incredible feeling that was to think that they'd do that.
Watch out for the BIG ones!
Now, in case you don't realize what an out and out necessity a screen porch is down here, clearly, you haven't been to coastal Mississippi. The mosquitoes around here are about the size of ... well, lemme tell you a story Heather's grandfather always told. Poppa used to talk about working on river barges, and one day he went out on deck and saw two mosquitoes holding a man helpless, one on each arm. "Should we eat him here?" one bloodsucker asked the other. "Nah, let's drag him behind the levee before one of the BIG ones comes and gets him!" But poppa always did exaggerate. They're really only about as big as kindergartners, book bag included.
The mosquitoes are so vicious that they render a deck or porch a place where you think you want to hang out, but really don't unless you enjoy the light headed feeling you get from blood loss.
Well, we sent them off to New Orleans Saturday night while we went bragging about their skills to all of our friends up and down Main Street at Bay St. Louis' monthly "Second Saturday" Artwalk. They had already gotten all of the doorknobs put on, the doors all hung, the cabinet hung, the stair rail repaired, the first coat of paint on the porch and kept us laughing the whole time! Well, even after a night's "frivolity" in New Orleans, they came out early on Sunday to measure for the screens, and joined us at the church service. Afterward, they beat us back here to the house, and we were able to get a thing or two accomplished before we had to break for the shrimp boil that the church was hosting for the volunteers and recipients. (Bay St. Louis, man... If you know about a party, you're invited!)
At one point I realized I was just standing around watching, so I figured, "I could at least get my guitar and be providing entertainment while they're working!" Corine really taxed my brain with requesting songs from the '80s that I used to play in one of my first bands, the Aboriginals -- songs by R.E.M. and The Cure are all still locked away up in my brain, so I guess I couldn't lose them in the storm!
But I digress. It's amazing how people can become such good friends in the space of a few hours. Over a drink and a tray of spicy heads-on shrimp, people can come to mean a great deal to each other. Today, they worked while Heather and I were at school, and happily, they were still here when we got home. Even more happily, we helped them complete that last little bit as the daylight faded. After a fine meal of Red Beans and Rice from the Sno Palace, Heather and I watched with tears in our eyes as our new friends pulled out to return to their lives in Virginia.
I can't tell you how much their presence made a difference in our lives, and how grateful we are for the time we spent with them. But I guess that's why I'm happy to see all of the volunteers down here, not just ours. ... They add to the charm.
Home for the holidays
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Steve,
The pleasure was truly ALL ours. We left with giant smiles on our hearts. There is no greater gift than a new friend. Today we have 2 in you & Heather.
Much Love-
Corinne & Greg
Corinne Price (Sent Nov 14, 2006 10:32:53 PM)
Thank You for sharing your stories. It is amazing that in the midst of so much bad, so much good is happening. Please keep the writing coming.
Timothy, Grand Rapids, Michigan (Sent Nov 15, 2006 7:53:04 AM)
Wonderful post, Steve! Thank you. I always enjoy them and come away entertained. Don't for a minute question whether you and Heather were entitled to Doorknob Duty. This very post may be the one that tips the scales for people who've been thinking about volunteering — but need a nudge to make the commitment. Fingers crossed it's people who are skilled in electrical, plumbing, HVAC, carpentry, roofing. And those volunteers you inspire with this post may wind up helping 10 of your neighbors as a result. PLEASE: tradesmen and -women, find some time on your calendar to head south. You are so desperately needed there. You will have all the house elves you need to fetch tools for you, clean up and do general grunt work while you get homeowners to the next important stage of rebuilding. And if the kindergartner-sized skeeters get to be too much, maybe Steve & Heather will let you sit a spell in their screened-in porch.
Denise, Chicago (Sent Nov 15, 2006 10:06:30 AM)
Hi Steve,
Enjoyed your stories! I use to live in the Bay in the 80's (BHS 1984) and my family is still there. Always welcome to hear about what's going on back in the Bay. I've tried telling similar mosquito stories here in Virginia and they just don't believe it! (LOL)
I also wanted to let you know about a blog that Leslie H. from CNN had organized that was listing families needing help for individuals, groups etc. to contact and help if inclined. I posted it on my web-blog and wanted to give the link here (if its ok with you) because it seems you have a lot of people from outside of the Bay reading your posts. Perhaps they could help, some of the stories of different people still struggling over a year later is heart-breaking. Ya'll are in our thoughts and prayers.
The blog address is:
http://realpeoplerelief.blogspot.com/
Best wishes for the holidays!
Jay A., Virginia Beach, Virginia (Sent Nov 16, 2006 12:09:29 PM)
Great post! And thanks to all the volunteers from around the world for helping out all my friends and family in Mississippi. Steve, I went to your website to order the CD and got an error return on the email.
Michael Roberts, The Woodlands, TX (Sent Nov 16, 2006 2:34:37 PM)
Steve and Heather, thanks for your great music at the shrimp boil! You are a fantastic duo, in music and life. Ya'll are part of the spirit of Bay St. Louis and Christ Church that will keep the community strong in spite of Katrina.
Rebecca, Charlotte NC (Sent Nov 16, 2006 9:45:29 PM)
And I thought the mosquitos in Maine were big - they can carry off a bull moose, but I guess if you're as large as a kindergartener, you might be able to carry the entire herd.
Steve - I can so understand the feeling of being overwhelmed by the open hearts and souls of those who would help someone when he/she is down - and you don't feel like you deserve it. I am sooooo happy that you and Heather got so much help! After all you've been through, I'm sure that all the kind things you do at school every day came back to take care of you. Thanks again for another entertaining post.
Pay it forward!
Stephanie Umbro, Maine (Sent Nov 17, 2006 4:09:07 AM)
Thanks for all the good news! I'm glad you and Heather got all that help from Robby and "the Corrines". Hope you and she and all of your friends have a warm, wonderful Thanksgiving!
Olivia Elizabeth Burdon, Peoria, Ill. (Sent Nov 18, 2006 2:43:41 PM)
Steve, I have been a volunteer in BSL several times since the hurricane hit. I cannot tell you what an honor and privilege it was to be part of the cleanup and rebuilding of BSL. But most importantly, meeting and working with the great people who I have met over the last year. Everytime I leave it is with tears in my eyes and the promise to return God Bless you all. See you in January.
pd, florida (Sent Nov 19, 2006 5:51:41 PM)
Wow! I had no idea that this blog existed until the other Corinne told me about it at church today. What a great way to spread the word about helping down there. I really like the comment from Denise in Chicago. As Corinne and Greg commented, the pleasure really was all ours. We miss you guys....I mean ya'll!!!
Love,
Corine and Robby
PS Please remember that you have an open invitation at our house....we'd love to have you for a visit!
Corine and Robby, Frog Level, Virginia (Sent Nov 19, 2006 6:18:00 PM)
Happy Thanksgiving....Ya'll!
andy,ms (Sent Nov 23, 2006 9:15:13 AM)
Addendum to my story... As Corine and Corinne and Robby and Greg were driving away, the very first thing I put my hand on was a book that had somehow been buried on a table of stuff... It was a how-to book on Screening in Porches!!! oops! Michael, email us at Jazzabilly@bellsouth.net and we'll get you set up with a "Heather and the Monkey Kings" CD!
Steve Harper, Bay St. Louis, Waveland, Pearlington, MS (Sent Nov 27, 2006 4:48:56 PM)
What a wonderful message to send to all out there that are considering helping out. It's the little things that are the most important. Especially to others. God has sent you some wonderful friends. Our church group is coming to Golf Port Mississippi in June and we are looking forward to helping out and meeting the wonderful people from there that have suffered so much. Our week will be to short, but we'll work hard and get as much done as possible. We are a group of 26 right now and hale from Conshohocken, PA Have a great Christmas and God Bless to all there.
Anita L. Barton (Sent Dec 15, 2006 11:03:14 AM)
This past spring (2006) I travelled with 3 friends down to NOLA, in conjunction with Campus Crusade for Christ. At that point, it was about 6 months after the storm and most of the owners of the homes we worked on were still displaced. We gutted two homes which we never even met the owners. Don't get me wrong, we DID NOT go there for praise and recognition....But I'm not going to lie, It feels REALLY GOOD to hear you praise the volunteers and their efforts. And if that is how I helped a family to feel, then it was absolutely more than worth it.
God Bless!
Ashley Garrett, Prosperity, PA (Sent Mar 8, 2007 2:08:24 PM)
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