KATRINA – Day of Destruction

Day [-1] (Saturday 8/27/05)

We found out today through the news that the unfortunate people of Florida had endured yet another storm. Sure Katrina was only a Category 1 storm, but she left her mark on Miami with flooding, building damage and lost lives numbering less than 10 Still, there were nearly one million out of electrical power for several days. It seems that Florida’s fate was to be the continual target of Mother Nature’s wrath

We watched the news and the weathermen expect Katrina to strengthen when she enters the Gulf from the Atlantic. It seems that we may get some of the outer bands and the accompanying rough weather I decided to attend vigil mass today at St. Peter’s Catholic Church because I won’t be able to attend the Traditional mass at St. Patrick’s in New Orleans because the city officials have ordered evacuations in many parts, if not all, of the metropolitan areas that are subject to flooding. The newest plan for evacuation includes a contra-flow program that systematically closes major thoroughfares to two-way traffic and alleviates traffic backups caused by the mass exodus of evacuees. I don’t know the city’s actual emergency plan, but it seems that complete abandonment of the city is not the complete answer to saving lives and bouncing back after anticipated destruction. But because this plan for evacuation would be effective tomorrow, I did not want to attempt to deal with the traffic situation. At mass, I saw my mother and father there also. My son, Mathew G. accompanied me, as well. In my prayers, I asked Our Lady of Prompt Succor to pray for our community and families, just in case the storm would venture our way.

Mike worked on his side jobs today and I cooked dinner. The forecasts this evening projects the path of Katrina to be between the Louisiana coastline and the Florida panhandle.  I fully expect that she will make her way east of New Orleans, like so many times before. My daughter, Megan, is moving home this weekend. She is trying to formulate a new plan for school, work and her life goals. Mathew G. will be leaving for basic training in the Air National Guard in about a month. He is working out and running every day to stay fit for his training. His plan is to be a member of the Guard while attending school at Louisiana Tech in Ruston after his one-year On-The-Job service with the Guard in Air Traffic Control. My step-son, Matthew A., moved in with us in June for us to help him get back on his feet financially and to help him discover a career to pursue. He is working at Waffle House and is due to start a new job at Flowers Bakery (Bunny Bread) in New Orleans on Monday, August 29^th. It’s a great job with excellent benefits and good pay. Matthew Adam should be back on his feet and ready to be independent again. My mind is working on new plans for the future, duties, chores and other routine activities without a second thought of any danger, but also without any appreciation for the current blessings in my life. It’s good to have a house full again.