Please just read it. I wrote it for my benefit more than others but those who read it wanted me to share it. So it's just a share, nothing more.

December 30, 2005

To the Editor:

I was inspired to compile a recap of 2005. It seems difficult to remember prior to August 29, 2005, for that is the day my world changed forever. Katrina took my friends, my home, my possessions, my business, my life from me. Yet thru all the devastation, I found opportunity. Opportunities to make new friends, help build a new home, replace possessions with those worthy of attaining, expand my business to meet various needs, and in the process creating a new life far superior to the old.

I posted the following synopsis in a forum I frequent. It was suggested that I send it to everyone I could. What better place to start than the editor of our local paper.

“The year 2005 has proven an awakening for me. I have witnessed over consuming, over indulging, and over zealous return to humbling, basic existence. I learned through courage, defiance, and empathy to forgive, forget, and fortify those around me. The knowledge of the assault regardless of race, social status, or possessions, inspired vivification while attempting to unearth a resemblance of past existence. In retrospect, that life no longer exists nor ever will. It appears empty yet meaningful for it has given an indication of a pathless journey that now exposes the shallow existence endured. Blessed are those who have seen this blinding light, those who have embraced its glory, for those are new leaders, those are awake, those are the quiet that will ring loud. To have survived this heralding experience then allow ancient ways to prevail would prove ignorance to growth. For inside now grows a courage that few can attempt to accost, an overwhelming magnitude for equality, an unstoppable vision that will bring ridicule, insult, and fear before it can inspire, stimulate, and unite. Katrina invaded my being but she created a new foundation that no tempest can devastate. Change is an inevitable part of life but a new South is rising from the fragments that were once my life.”

It is my thoughts and feelings about Hurricane Katrina and the rationale she revealed to me. I know others share this revelation but few can comprehend the magnitude of what is to come. Katrina has proven the “Clean Sweep Queen of the Century” for her unbiased ability to bring equality thru destruction will not stop until she reveals the corruption, waste, and neglect of our country, judicially, legally, and morally.

Hurricane Katrina ‘Person of the Year’ for she will reveal for years to come.


Toni Moran Becker

 

nice write! was this in the sun herald? btw, we have quite a few members from the gulf coast. and even more further up in the state.

 

I sent it yesterday morning. Was not in today's paper. I hope it is printed, everyone who has read it or heard me recite it has had tears here. So many are unable to express the feelings they have. Mainly because everyone here is in the same boat.

It's just sickening how some people abuse the gifts. They gave twin, double and queen matresses & box springs with the frames away today at a POD. It was pathetic to see the utter riot created. I hate to specify but to see someone with 6 sets, sitting on them waiting for someone to come pick them up and then later that day see the same person in a grocery store parking lot selling sets for $100 each. It is repulsive. Those individuals are the reason there is negative media coverage. I just wanted to lay the b!tch out. The selfishness overwhelms me. I volunteered 3 days a week for a few hours a day. Yes, I benefited but I also shared the wealth. There are so many here that take advantage of the gifts/donations. But what can a single person do, nothing but share what I have with those who don't have.

Or write a letter to the Editor, in the hopes it is published and gets syndicated.

 

i know how you feel man. i am in the national guard and was activated since 2 days before the storm and was just recently deactivated. i have seen some of the worst and best in people. it wasn't fun driving through biloxi and gulfport having gang type people shooting and throwing stuff at our humvee's. we were un-armed. then they wonder why we didn't want to go back and help their sorry asses.

i know of people right now that have more food from pods in their house than most family's see all year. just because it was free.