Greg J. Schloesser:  Way Down Yonder in New Orleans

For the first time since the arrival of Hurricane Katrina, we have returned to the city of New Orleans, the birthplace of my entire family.  We will be spending the Christmas holidays here, visiting family and friends, and celebrating this most joyous time of year with loved ones.  Our last visit here was in late July for Gulf Games, and three weeks later the city and area was devastated by that dreadful hurricane.

While I was excited to visit with family and friends, I was also apprehensive about what I would see.  I knew it would be sad to see the devastation, and I tried to steel myself for its impact on me.  I had seen thousands of photos and videos of the destruction, and that truly helped me.  I think I was expecting worse ... if that is possible.  In my mind, I pictured an area without any standing trees, neighborhoods without any homes standing, and filth and trash piled dozens of feet high in the streets.  I was preparing myself emotionally for utter devastation.

I must say that I have been quite suprised and relieved.  Yes, it is bad.  The entire area of New Orleans East, which had a population of probably 100,000 or more, is vacant.  Homes stand empty, with windows shattered, roofs tattered, and trash littering the lawns.  The same applies to the 9th Ward area, which was the subject of so many reports on TV.  That area has been inhabited by the poorest of New Orleans’ poor for decades, and the houses are in shambles.  I haven’t ventured into neighboring St. Bernard Parish, wherein 95% or more of the homes were under 8 - 12 feet of water.  The Parish is a virtual ghost town and is completely dark at night.  It is very, very sad.

But there is good news.  The Westbank, where I lived since 1972, was largely spared.  Yes, there are damaged commercial signs and a smattering of “blue roofs” (FEMA covers damaged roofs with large blue tarps), but for the most part, the Westbank appears virtually normal.  The Eastbank is also bouncing back fairly quickly, although they were harder hit than the Westbank.  Still, it is estimated that 90% of Jefferson Parish’s residents have returned, and they are hard at work repairing their homes and businesses. 

Trees are standing.  Oh, there are still areas with felled trees and debris, but for the most part, the streets and neighborhoods have been cleared of downed trees and rubbage.  The biggest thing one notices, though, is the abundance of litter.  It seems people and the government has other priorities right now.  That is understandable, but the community is still unsightly.

I am sensing an atmosphere of guarded optimism.  The city and area received a BIG boost on Wednesday when Congress approved $29 billion in aid to help reconstruct the levees and infrastructure, and help citizens and businesses return.  A stronger, taller levee system will work wonders and help folks gain confidence in the city’s future.  There is a TON of work to be done, but this is a great start. 

Let me tell you, this is truly an American tragedy, and it has hit me hard.  I couldn’t help but get emotional as we were driving through the city upon our return.  There were large billboards welcoming the people back, and signs proclaiming how the city will rebuild and return.  New Orleans was dealt a hard, cruel blow, and it has truly staggered us.  But, we are beginning to get back to our feet, and we will return!

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This Monday night I will be back with my old buddies in the Westbank Gamers for a night of gaming and celebration.  I brought along a crate of games, including some of the newer releases such as Caylus, Vegas Showdown, Antike and Il Principe.  I can’t wait to get together again with all these great folks.  Of course, I’ll render a report soon thereafter!

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Christmas is always very special to me, as it is one of the cornerstones of my faith.  I always have good reason to celebrate and give thanks.  This year, however, it has special meaning.  I have personally been through a LOT this year, but the city and its residents have been through so much more.  I am SO thankful for all of the blessings that have been bestowed upon me this year, including the fact that ALL of my family and friends survived this massive hurricane and are beginning to put their lives back together.  The great love of family and friends—even those I have not yet met—has helped see me through.  For that, I am eternally grateful.

I wish you and yours a joyous and wonderful Christmas and New Year.  May God reign His blessings upon you!

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