I can remember it clearly. It was late August in 2005. I was watching the news with my mother when the weather reporter broke the news of the Category 5 hurricane headed towards New Orleans and surrounding areas, which is where some of my family lives. Growing up, dangerous weather was one of my biggest fears. My family was able to evacuate to northern Louisiana, where they would be safe. No one really knew what to expect from the storm. Many people did not evacuate for various reasons; some people could not afford to, did not have a place to evacuate to, or stayed back to loot stores. The hurricane hit harder than anyone expected.
Hurricane Katrina killed nearly 2,000 people and caused damage to 90,000 square miles in the United States. New Orleans was the most damaged, for the city is below sea-level. 80% of the city was underwater. There was $100 billion in damage.
A year after Hurricane Katrina hit, I traveled to New Orleans with my family. While flying into the city of New Orleans, I remember seeing blue tarps all over. The man next to me told me that those were houses still damaged by the storm.
My grandparents took us around the city to see the damage. For some reason, I had it in my mind that things would be completely back to normal. It was heartbreaking to see a city that I loved in a shocking mess. It didn't even look the same. The most humbling and tramautizing sight was in the neighborhood called the Ninth Ward. Houses were marked by rescue teams. Above the X, represented the time it was searched. To the right of the X, whatever important things that were found were marked. On the bottom of the X, is where the number of bodies were found was marked, dead or alive. As we drove around, I couldn't wrap my mind around all the horrifying markings. As much as I wish I didn't have to see the damage, I'm glad I did. It was one of the most eye-opening experiences of my life to date. Life is short and there are so many things I take for granted, such as a full plate at every meal, a bed to sleep in, clothes on my back, and a family that loves me so. I have so much love this city. I get so excited when people ask me about New Orleans or who my favorite football team is. If you don't get it, you don't get it.
