Katrina

08/04/2005


I just came face-to-face with Katrina in the eyes of some of those she left wounded in her wake.

The hurt and shell-shocked are roaming the halls of a local rescue facility. Men and women in wheelchairs and wrapped in bandages look like they are reliving the devastation with each blink of an eye – with every step.

Quiet. The building was so quiet as if noise would alert the storm gods to where they fled for refuge. They are so quiet indeed as not to awaken the storm gods.

During my visit, I met one smile from a little 13-month old girl named Mariesa. She ran and laughed like she wanted to send a message to those of us who were sitting silently. Today is a day of new beginnings for her. Today is a day of more memories for the rest.

As I left the facility, a woman I had spoken with gave me a long hard hug while thanking me for being there and making her laugh.

I cried on the way home. Honestly, I do not even remember portions of my drive away from the city of refuge. What I do remember is thinking that God has called us to help. I remembered my Pastor’s sermon stating that God has called us to be compassionate.

I do not have money or a lot of other resources but I do have a heart so I gave what I have. I made my offering not from my excess but rather from my lack. I gave what I had and it was all those I encountered wanted. Along with underwear and socks, clothes, food, and housing, they really want to know that they are not alone. These dear people are desperate to know someone gives a shit.

Maybe I didn’t so much come in contact with Katrina tonight but actually came face-to-face with the basic human desire to love and be loved.

Peace,
zss

© 2005 Wrosesongs
All Rights Reserved

...they've taken a toll these latter days