Peace like a river - part one

I was headed down to New Orleans with my husband, David. We were going to visit Steven and his girlfriend for the Thanksgiving Day holiday. Driving down to New Orleans was a wonderful way for David and I to hang out together for a good amount of road time, especially since I had just finished traveling all over the world attending PWOC regional conferences. Yes, it was road trip time once again, but this time it would be with David and I was very glad about that.

It had only been four years since hurricane Katrina barreled through this popular gulf coast town and brought its seemingly unrelenting devastation. We didn't know what to expect to see on this trip. Reports seemed to have faded away into a distant memory on what was once one of the most reported on catastrophic events of our time; but every so often, a brave reporter would peek in to see if things were progressing. At least that was my impression.

When I thought about this tragic event, images of all the damage and human suffering flashed through my mind. I recalled images such as the Super Dome filled with people in and around it seeking shelter from the harsh elements; and images of people walking on bridges, which allowed them to remain on higher ground than the rising "sea level"of water, and then all the helpless images of people standing on roof tops desperately hoping for someone to come to their aid. Overall, I recalled numerous images of people needing to being rescued from the water that ravaged their town and then some who wouldn't be rescued at all. For most, it was the end of the life they once knew.

We wondered what would our trip entail. We were very excited about seeing our son in his new hometown, yet curious about what we would see and experience once we arrived.

© Brenda L. Marlin 2010