“Our pets are family members, we had to save them too. We weren’t leaving if they weren’t coming with us. The first day was tough, everyone was barking. Mine is the famous one here, the barking pit bull. I try to cover his cage and keep him quiet because a lot of people were complaining. He normally doesn’t bark, bark, bark like that. It is crazy how fast the water came in. We got out in a Budget truck that was following a dump truck. My friend’s dog was so spooked by the helicopters flying over that when he got here we had to carry him outside for him to go to the bathroom. Sunday night was mayhem and you could barely walk through here. Animals pick up on that. The third night I was here, I finally slept for two hours. I hadn’t been able to sleep before that, too much on my mind and a lot going on. I was staying with a couple because I lost my apartment when I was laid off. My car was underwater with all the boxes of stuff and clothes from my apartment. I told the inspector my car is my only means of getting back on my feet and he said if it cranks they consider it drivable. They are playing hardball with people. The stuff in the boxes wasn’t covered because they consider it storage. I told him I had two outfits and he said I was good on clothes. I understand that after Katrina some people made fraudulent claims and made it bad on everyone else, but it is still shocking. What am I supposed to do? I have to put my best foot forward and stand on my faith that somehow I am going to make it through this shit. Excuse my language. My wallet and my cellphone fell into the water when I was trying to help an elderly couple in our neighborhood. I took my car to a mechanic, he said by the grace of God I didn’t have water in my oil, but it needs the fluids and spark plugs replaced. He cut me a deal and did it for $60. I will come up with that money somehow because all I have is my car and that is a stepping stone to get back on my feet. That is where I am. I was upset but I am more calm now. All of the people in my section are sticking together, but people are starting to feel frustrated. It is a week later and people still don’t have anything. The inspectors are starting to come out and people are realizing they aren’t covered. They come back devastated by their losses. I am also a Katrina survivor. I am grateful for a cot, shelter and safety.”
Good enough isn’t an option. It’s got to be the best I can do.
“I even make my sandwich backwards. I put my bottom piece here and my bun here. And then whenever I eat it, my bottom...
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