We just returned from a St Patrick's Day parade in the French Quarter. Not a single tractor to be seen, but plenty of other things you don't see in the Listowel Paddyfest Parade! As this is likely my last blog from NOLA I feel it is important to finally get down some thoughts on the relationship between the people of New Orleans and Katrina. On our first day here we visited the Katrina exhibit at the Presbytere. The stories of tragedy, loss, frustration and heroism, although somewhat overwhelming, have provided a context for my week here. Yesterday evening we drove to Shell beach in St. Bernard Parish to visit the memorial to those in that parish who lost their lives during Katrina. As we drove down the narrow road with water on both sides we were bracketed by shrimp boats on one side and mobile homes that are perched on what appears to be precariously high stilts on the other. The setting sun provided a dramatic backdrop. We were all alone with a list of 163 names engraved on a slab of granite and a metal cross placed just off shore. As a community how do you move past this? I guess that really is the key--community. Tonight at the fish fry at St Mary of the Angel we got to experience that sense of community. It was the best pan fried fish, served on a bed of macaroni and cheese, that I have ever had. We asked Jim, who was apparently in charge of the fish, what kind of fish it was. He answered "the kind you can eat--was it tasty?" Well, put it all together and I think I have part of the secret of Louisiana resilience: you don't forget--you honour, you stick together, you build your houses higher, and you enjoy the fish because it is tasty.
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Ray & Diane
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