I am whole

Since Katrina I have met so many incredible people who inspire me daily. To continue fighting for what was a home, a life, a WAY of life - when all has been lost. I remain in awe of these people.

And because they continue to fight, so shall I.

Since Katrina, I have been able to put my limited resources to good use - by networking assistance to both the groups who can go help, and to the citizens themselves.

Since Katrina, my life has expanded.

Since Katrina, I hope to continue touching lives, helping those who ask. And yet, I find that I am the one who is touched, who is helped. I may have lost who I was when I became disabled, but through the eyes of those I work with and help, I am whole.

Since Katrina, I began understanding what life was really about.

Leslie Holly

Upstate NY

KatrinaNetworking.blogspot.com
KatrinaCoalition@aol.com
Fortuna Pertinax Venia
Fortune Favors the Stubborn

Artwork by Kat Fitzpatrick

How to Submit a Post

Complete the sentence "Since Katrina . . ." and email your sentence, pharagraph, poem, or ramblings to SinceKatrina@gmail.com. Everyone is invited to complete the sentence and submit it, although I can't promise that it will make it to the blog.

Also, be sure to include how you want to be identified and perhaps even a sentence about who you are.

What we still have

Since Katrina I've learned that things can be replaced as long as we have each other.

Shawn Lea of www.katrinaartists.com

We Must Turn Tragedy into Triumph

Since Katrina I realize the day (8/29/05) our lives fell apart was also the day our new lives began. Because of the storm we now have a better standard of living. Our faith is stronger, our family is stronger and we have taken advantage of opportunities that we didn’t know existed before the storm. Since Katrina I realize tragedy can be painful, but if taken head on it can be a source of power, hope and vision. Behind the tears must lie the passion to truly “bounce back” better than ever.

Since Katrina I realize that when things are at their worst, we must be at our best. We must turn tragedy into triumph. Our city, our neighbors, our families, our lives are depending on us. The fact that we survived leads me to believe that we are here for a reason, our obligations have not been fulfilled and that our work here is not done.

Since Katrina I must admit I am very disappointed in the government, I was naïve to believe that when duty called they would respond. I truly believe that we must be each other’s “road to recovery.” I feel blessed to have learned at an early age not to put faith in man – “Let the church say Amen.”

Since Katrina I miss saying “gimme a two piece spicy white with beans,” and does anybody know where I can get a hot roast beef with Swiss on French “witta lotta mannaise?” Cuz ain’t no mo Gene’s. I truly know what it means to miss New Orleans. “Born ‘n raised” in Hollygrove, now Houston is my home. They once called us “refugees,” now, it’s howdy neighbors when we roam.

Since Katrina I’m an Architect… You’re an architect… We are all Architects… We are all the Architects of our destiny and we can build it how we want!!!

Kendrick Leggins native New Orleanian and former Entergy employee - now a New Houstonian and business owner. Artwork is by Mary Hardy.