Unpacking Baggage

Just going through my luggage, clearing out some things to make way for enlightenment

This morning as I watched images of Hurricane Katrina's devastation of New Orleans, I really began to think about how nature can really get us together. We are completely at her mercy and I'm cool with that. It gives me comfort to know that there is something beyond the control of people like G.W. who try to manipulate everything. As one of my favorite old ladies used to say, "Ain't nuthin but God... that's a bad moter scooter!" Indeed he is. It's always awful to see bad things happen to good people. Some of the images coming from the gulf coast are heart-wrenching and I pray for strength for everyone affected by the disaster.

The one thing that constantly amazes me is the shock and awe of folks on the news when disaster strikes. A man in a wifebeater with a beaten wife standing outside the remnants of their double-wide talkin' bout, "The wind just ripped the roof off... I can't believe it... A woman being rescued from the roof of her car, talkin bout, "I just don't know where the water came from." Girl!!! Hello!!! New Orleans is 15 ft. below sea level near the juncture of the Mississippi River and the Gulf of Mexico. That's where the water came from. Be aware of your geography. I understand folks get comfortable in their surroundings, but we should never take for granted that things are as they always will be.

Still, I understand the thinking of those folks who chose to remain in their homes and ride out the worst part of the storm. Once you own something it's hard to leave. The struggle to attain something for some is daunting and the satisfaction upon receipt produces a feeling no less than euphoric and produces a degree of protectiveness that rivals a parent-child relationship, especially for those who have faced economic hardships in their lives. I imagine a great deal of those people perished, which is a shame. Sometimes we really don't get that the only thing we truly possess is this life and we have to protect and cherish it however we can.

At the moment I live in an area that is just blocks from the Atlantic Ocean and has been battered by its share of hurricanes in my lifetime. The most notable was Hurricane Gloria, which came late September of 1985. I remember coming home from my after school job and riding out the storm with an ill-gotten bottle of Remy Martin and a Sade CD. In the morning I awoke to the news that a dear friend had been killed by electrocution as a result of the storm. Our community was devastated by that loss and gave an entire generation its first lesson on the power of nature. I'm not sure how many people still feel a little apprehensive when they hear of a coming storm, but I am ever-mindful. If someone even mentions evacuation, my ass is GHOST! I have a few precious items that remain within close proximity that can be gathered up and carried along with me, but anything that can't be scooped up on my way out the door will have to fare the best it can. I can't replace this life and I owe it to God to make the most of the opportunity He's given me to live.

Just like I donated to tsunami relief, I am jumping behind any effort to help folks along the devastated path. I am about to rummage through my closet and send the things with tags hanging off of them to someone who can use them. I've been too blessed to let this stuff sit here and go unused. I encourage anyone else who may visit this page (though I believe I'm really just talking to myself) to do the same. Also send out good thoughts and offer up fervent prayers for all of us. What effects one effects all.

Trina, as hood folks have taken to calling her has certainly packed a wallop. We think it's a direct result of her having a Black girl name. Watch out for Keisha and Shaniqua to shut down the entire east coast.