Well Susan 5 years ago today I was sitting in Ft. Payne Alabama, tired and hungry from all the driving I had done. I left South Mississippi early the morning before because I saw what was coming, thanks to NOAA and the buoy reports they sent out. As I watched the reports I realized I could be homeless. The governor closed all roads back into Mississippi so I headed north just ahead of the storm.
I watched all the news reports everyday and trying to get through by phone to my neighbors that didn't leave. We were on the west side of the eye of the storm. When I got back home a month later I had no electricity, phone, gas or water. I stocked my van up with water, an ice chest full of food and a charcoal grill. I had to sleep in my van the first night. It was still hot and humid that first week of October, but luckily I only lost my beautiful trees, a shed with my lawn mower and my fence. I lost all my food and some appliances but was very lucky compared to my neighbors.
Once the roads opened up I went to the coast to see the damage and was shocked at the damage. The bridge over the St. Louis Bay was gone. It looked like it was ripped from its foundations. Whole forests were destroyed. Today the forests are coming back, most homes have been rebuilt and most stores are back and operating as usual. But Katrina is still a topic of discussion almost on a daily basis even after 5 years. Most small businesses have never returned including the LQS along the coast. Many friends and neighbors have never returned. As we go into the height of the hurricane season, we all go about our daily lives with an ear to the radio and a watchful eye on the skies.
As for the oil spill, it finally closed my favorite fish house. The man I hired to help mow my yard is an unemployed engineer who worked on the oil rigs. He cuts grass now for a living.
One thing I must say, our beaches are clean and the waters a without oil. The fishermen are now back out on the waters bringing in some of the best tasting shrimp and crabs I've ever had. If any of you want to spend the last days of summer at the beach, come on down. The motel rates are very reasonable, the food is great and the beaches are just beautiful.
Kate T. South Mississippi