I remember when this was first published Charlotte. I loved it then and I love it now. I would say this is eloquent! I haven't had an experience like this and you put me there.
Such a moving essay, Charlotte. It’s easy for folks to tell you what to do when they don’t have to do it. We’ve been to New Orleans a few times, mostly for work, and it’s such a special place. I have so many good memories. And Susan Cowsill!!! I haven’t thought of her in decades and now I’m flooded with memories of watching her and her family on TV. I loved the video. Thank you for sharing it and your essay.
This choked me up. We were just close enough in Austin to live it in some small way, evacuees came to the city in bus loads. We helped out. I remember one lone woman in a wheelchair who somehow was rescued. People sleeping on floors of our civic center. Lots of new kids at my kids' school. Some never went back. And all the talk of how New Orleans shouldn't be saved. We should never forget. Thank you for helping me remember, Charlotte, and thank God for the beauty that does exist in us, in the people of New Orleans to overcome.
I appreciate your kind words, Gina. There are so many tragic stories from that time. I can’t even think about some of the horrible things I know. My mind just blocks it out.
Oh Charlotte, there is so much contained in these words… sorrow, anger, hope, frustration, and at the end… hope.
The first time I visited New Orleans was in the summer of 2008 to pick my car up from the port after my family and I moved back to the states from England. Fast forward two years and my fiancée, now wife, and I went to New Orleans for my 50th birthday. Three years later we took a mini-honeymoon after our wedding. We’ve been back a few times since then (once for a wedding that I officiated at) and another trip when we were living in Colorado (the change in altitude was incredible for my breathing!).
The city holds a special place in my heart. The video and music was incredible. Now that we have retired to Mobile we hope to make a trip back soon.
I love this, how layered it is, and does it break my heart for you all again. Dreams are wild- I remember a warning dream that I did not listen to and often wonder where life would have taken me if I had listened. Sigh ...Are you in the same house now with your garden that you photograph?
Thanks for reading, Brandy. Yes, we are in the same house, 44 years in December! It’s sheltered us well. Coincidentally, we had Hurricane Ida on this same date in 2021 with a bit of damage. We stayed for that one and it was a wild ride!
I remember when this was first published Charlotte. I loved it then and I love it now. I would say this is eloquent! I haven't had an experience like this and you put me there.
Aww, thanks for saying that, Julie. I appreciate you!
🤞Two more months and we can exhale. But then, this took my breath away. ❤️
Yes, I start feeling better when October arrives even though we could still get one. Thanks for your kind words, my friend. XO
Such a moving essay, Charlotte. It’s easy for folks to tell you what to do when they don’t have to do it. We’ve been to New Orleans a few times, mostly for work, and it’s such a special place. I have so many good memories. And Susan Cowsill!!! I haven’t thought of her in decades and now I’m flooded with memories of watching her and her family on TV. I loved the video. Thank you for sharing it and your essay.
Thank you for reading, Marie 💜💚❤️
This choked me up. We were just close enough in Austin to live it in some small way, evacuees came to the city in bus loads. We helped out. I remember one lone woman in a wheelchair who somehow was rescued. People sleeping on floors of our civic center. Lots of new kids at my kids' school. Some never went back. And all the talk of how New Orleans shouldn't be saved. We should never forget. Thank you for helping me remember, Charlotte, and thank God for the beauty that does exist in us, in the people of New Orleans to overcome.
I appreciate your kind words, Gina. There are so many tragic stories from that time. I can’t even think about some of the horrible things I know. My mind just blocks it out.
Oh Charlotte, there is so much contained in these words… sorrow, anger, hope, frustration, and at the end… hope.
The first time I visited New Orleans was in the summer of 2008 to pick my car up from the port after my family and I moved back to the states from England. Fast forward two years and my fiancée, now wife, and I went to New Orleans for my 50th birthday. Three years later we took a mini-honeymoon after our wedding. We’ve been back a few times since then (once for a wedding that I officiated at) and another trip when we were living in Colorado (the change in altitude was incredible for my breathing!).
The city holds a special place in my heart. The video and music was incredible. Now that we have retired to Mobile we hope to make a trip back soon.
Thanks so much for reading, Michael. The city isn’t perfect but it is special.
I love this, how layered it is, and does it break my heart for you all again. Dreams are wild- I remember a warning dream that I did not listen to and often wonder where life would have taken me if I had listened. Sigh ...Are you in the same house now with your garden that you photograph?
Thanks for reading, Brandy. Yes, we are in the same house, 44 years in December! It’s sheltered us well. Coincidentally, we had Hurricane Ida on this same date in 2021 with a bit of damage. We stayed for that one and it was a wild ride!