Katrina Changes Everything

Hurricane Katrina changes everything. I don't mean the obvious...neighborhoods changed, cities unrecognizable, people gone. It is far more reaching than that. Wherever we are, it changes us, too. Part of our country has been attacked again - this time by nature. We are all in this together, because that's what makes our country great. We will pull together, shelter and feed the lost, and slowly rebuild but the change still hurts.

It has changed me in a personal way. I lived in New Orleans for 10 years. My son was borned there. My husband and I met and married there. We have so many friends there and right now don't know where they are or what has happened to them. It hurts watching the TV and seeing familiar areas flooded or almost gone. We wait and watch and most of all, pray.

I noticed I've changed in my day...little annoyances are blown away. I need only to think about the images of the ones wandering along I-10, or waiting on the roof tops, or the lady in tears for just some bread, and my pettiness is gone.

Tonight I will sleep on a nice bed. My stomach is full and I have plans for tomorrow. My daughter will go to school and my son and husband have jobs. Life will go on. Yet, I'm different inside...wondering if my New Orleans friends are safe or need help. My days may be the same but my thoughts and prayers are for them.