Is Colorado A Phoenix Rising?

 I have a friend who lives in Colorado and called him during the flood. Panic set in when there was no   answer, I quickly sent both a text and facebook message. His area was spared the devastation of the flood. 

Memories of Katrina quickly surfaced ......

 I lived in New Orleans for a while and always loved the vibe of the city.This was one area of the country I try to  visit every year.This story took place on my first trip  following hurricane Katrina. I was speaking and managing mall promotions in Kenner  La at  Esplanade Mall. It was right across the street from my old residence.

One of the young ladies working for me shared her survival story of Katrina. She was in an area that flooded quickly.  The family climbed on the roof but could not get her grandmother up high enough. They watched her get washed away and there was nothing they could do to help. A military rescue team removed them from the roof. Grandma was never recovered to her knowledge. The family was able to get to a friends home . Her mother and 3 small siblings wanted out of the city fast.  Friends provided a car and gas money to escape the chaos. 

She was 16 , but did not have a drivers license yet. Money was tight for the family and they planned on getting one later . The very limited driving experience qualified her as captain and they were off to California . She settled into sunshine with her Mother and 3 siblings. The desire to come home surfaced and they returned to a changed city. " Miss Robyne, Katrina was a bad thing but some good came out of it. I never knew that at 16 I had the strength to watch my grandmother die and drive cross country with my family. It made me a stronger person and gave many people chances they never had". A young girl with wisdom far beyond her years. 

My next stop was  Baton Rouge . My favorite restaurant close to the hotel is Ruth Chris Steakhouse. On this visit, I  had the privilege of spending time with a very prominent southern gentleman. He was known for        his Sopranos type " holding court"  in New Orleans  many years ago. His eyes were full of knowledge and I am sure some regrets.

We spoke of Katrina and I shared the young girls story. His response was an unexpected observation.  He felt In the old days, when the "real people" were in charge, the outcome would have been so different. There was respect back then and "all this " would not happened. He felt that the young guys are to into drugs and not into "taking care of the people" like they should be. My time with him was very insightful on life. He felt strongly that the Government is spending to much time "sticking our nose into business that was not ours and neglecting people here at home". 

Over the years there have been many natural disasters. Hurricane Camille photographers sent  photos of the dead bodies hanging in trees across the world . Time has proven, you can wash away material things but not the spirit of the people.