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Letter To The Editor Dear Editor, Hurricane Katrina left its mark on lives, property, jobs, and spirits. It has now been almost a year since Mother Nature pointed its wicked finger at many Gulf South areas and, while recovery is occurring, the pace is varied. My father called us all together on August 30, 2005 and stated that faith and patience was needed to get us all through this misfortune. His words of wisdom have been a touchstone over the last year. The lives of both my family and friends will forever be changed. We have come to accept the fact that there exists a pre-Katrina normal and a post-Katrina normal. The city of New Orleans still has areas that look like Beirut with blue roofs and white trailers a daily sight. Stress induced early retirements and relocations are accepted as part of the natural aftermath of this tragedy. School is starting and children are sometimes just going through the motions of happiness as they subconsciously know that it could happen again and, this time, the unknown is known. Amid all of the sadness, unfortunate losses and changes, there are rays of hope.. Many people have a renewed vision of the world around them and the kind people that exist in that world. Hundreds of thousands of people have shown a giving like most of us have never experienced in our lifetime. From all across the country, people of all ages have come to help - not just giving donations of food, clothing, and money which were greatly needed and appreciate, but also, giving of their time, energy and loving hearts. Willing to sit and listen, wanting to share their talents with others, and hoping to leave the area better for their efforts. There have been thousands of wonderful stories from this tragedy. One lady picked up broken pieces of my mother's Blue Willow china and made a hurricane mosaic out of them and sent it to her. Another group gave out crosses made from nails. The unique types of giving were overwhelming. On Sunday, August 20, 2006, I received a call from my father inviting me to return with him and my mother to the location of our evacuation - Grove Hill, Alabama. I got a tear in my eye when I thought about ALL of the loving and kind people there that made us feel welcomed and loved. I consider these people and this town some of the blessings received from Hurricane Katrina. We stayed at the Windwood Inn where Ms. Carol and all the wonderful people there worked longer hours without complaining during that time. The employees at The Clarke County Democrat were so kind to us allowing the use of their computers and offering us their understanding. We thank all of you especially Jim, Suzanne, Ross and Kathryn. Two of my children are named Jordan and Allen. Yes, we were fortunate enough to meet Allen Jordan at The Medicine Chest as well as Joy and Jamie. They were all helpful and caring far beyond the medical needs of my family. Thank you for caring for us in a special way. It is always difficult to list names as you invariably forget someone but please know that we have spoken kindly about each and everyone of you in the past year. The food at Ms. Gloria's Pour House Caf’ and from the two wonderful sisters at the Methodist Church was memorable. The distribution center workers, the members of St. Peter's Episcopal Church in Jackson and Mrs. Bebe Garrett with Jackson Academy all reduced our needs. We extend our gratitude to Donna, Dwayne, and Mrs. Opal who helped us find a home when we thought we would be staying for four months and our wonderful neighbor Mrs. Lois and her grandson Anthony. I appreciate how welcoming the students and faculty at Jackson Academy were to my daughter and especially Mrs. Clanton who kindly droveher and her new friend, Caleb, to school each morning. Going to a new school is difficult but due to circumstances, it was very hard and all of you made it enjoyable for Jordan. It goes without saying that my family and I hope to never have need again as we did during those times. But if we ever need to evacuate, I pray that we will be able to return to the Norman Rockwellian-like town of Grove Hill and revisit all of the wonderful friends that we made both there and in Jackson, Alabama. I thank all of you for turning our misfortune into a fond memory. Betty Vix Weinberger and Family
David, Allen, and Jordan Weinberger Elbert and Genie Vix
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