Well, I made it back to California and only got one ticket for speeding and one warning...both in Texas. It is a VERY large state you know.
I really wanted to try and share my emotions with all of you who have read (and recommended) my diaries the past two weeks.
I didn't want to leave Louisiana...there was still so much that I wanted to do and the time was much too short.
An email was received the night before I left from Leslie, the photojournalist who had been to Chalmette (sp?) and found an older man in need and begged me to help him if I had any time...I didn't...Rita was coming.
As I left Bogalusa, there was a group at the Creels who just wanted to tell me that I was an angel...how can one leave that? How can you walk away with so much suffering and work that needs to be done?
The need to educate everyone about how the survivors, victims, evacuees and refugees are living is so important to me...to go back is essential. I am putting thoughts out to help make it happen within the next 4-6 weeks. I want to go through the area, take photos, videos and do interviews. I want to give hugs and tell people that we will just continue to help them.
I already miss the love of these people. Their unselfishness and hospitality, even in the worse of times.
The want to be there is strong...I now struggle between two worlds. The 'real' one which is getting a new career in real estate going and the 'other'...the need/want to HELP FELLOW AMERICANS IN THE FACE OF DISASTER.
I still can smell the toxic waste, the death, the mold, the rotting debris and bodies. I still see the smiles on the faces of those both young and old when I reached out and listened, held a hand, gave a hug. I remember being offered dinner by several, who had little or nothing...but they wanted me to feel welcomed and 'at home'.
E-mailed Dr. Ken...he feels the same and said he also intends to return. Received emails from both Leslie and Sheldon (the photo journalists) and they know we will all go again.
Yes, it is good to be home...I am safe...but if someone offered to pay my bills for the next month, I would leave tomorrow...these people need me...but you know what? I'm not certain that I don't NEED them...
Torn between two worlds....such a difficult time in my life.
In Peace,
Barbara & Tirawa
Leslie has posted some of her photos here: http://www.pbase.com/lscottpht/hurricane_katrina_aftermath
5, 7, 15, 33 are of Dr. Ken
73, 79, 84, 100, 116 & 4299 are of James and Linda Creel...the folks with the trees in their homes...they are lovely folks
35 is a photo of Randy and Victoria...Victoria is to the left I believe and is Joy's daughter.
TexasSharon hopefully will do a comment with some photos of Tirawa.
I hope this will hit 'recommended'...I will do another diary in a day or two. It's time to 'be' with my emotions and sort out what must/needs to be done next.