During our week in New Orleans, all 23 of us from WCT & DFLC met some wonderful, extraordinary and unique characters: Mac at the Lower 9th Ward Community Center, Laurie at the Ranch Rescue Horse Farm, the congregation at Touro Synagogue and many, many others. The common thread that they all shared, was one of thanks.
They thanked us passionately and repeatedly, truly appreciating that 5 1/2 years after Hurricane Katrina, we were still coming down to their neighborhoods for volunteer work. Many of them spoke about feeling forgotten now that so much time has passed, when in reality, they need our help, energy and friendship more than ever.
Beyond the hauling, planting and shoveling that we all did, there was a more important gift we gave to our new friends, listening. We listened to their stories, we heard about their families, we relived their memories. Some of them were joyous, several were tragic, but ultimately they were all uplifting.
Never in my life have I been more blessed. Literally. Whether it was prayers from Pastor Scott, Mr. West or the team at Camp Restore, the words "Thank You" and "May God Bless You" have never had greater meaning or importance to me and I will forever keep that feeling in my heart and my memories.
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