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.
