We often reminisce about our lives before Hurricane Katrina. We miss our neighbors, the neighborhood, the specialty foods, Mardi Gras, the shopping centers, our church and the overall culture of New Orleans. We are no longer New Orleanians but Thibodauxans.

During the last 10 years, we have experienced ups and downs. Our beloved only surviving brother, Percy passed away on June 20, 2006. Our youngest sister, Debbie suffered a stroke in April 2007, which rendered her disabled. Due to her numerous maladies, she resides in a healthcare facility at the tender age of 55.

Again in September 2008, our lives were affected by another hurricane, Gustav. Some of us were forced to relocate yet again; however, we found our way back to Thibodaux. On July 25, 2009, our beloved oldest sister, Henrietta, passed away unexpectedly. Our faith in God is very strong and we know that HE was and is with us every step of the way.

Although we lost two family members, God blessed us with two additions to our family. Tyree was born on February 13, 2007, to Courtney and Terry, and Ronylah was born on June 5, 2008, to Stacey and Ron. They both attend W. S. Lafargue Elementary School.

Courtney, Lois’ daughter has been employed by Wal-Mart for four years. She began as a cashier and has been promoted twice, first as a Customer Service Manager, and currently as a Support Manager. Her oldest son, Vichaun is a 9^th-grader at Thibodaux High School where he is enrolled in pre-AP and AP classes. Lois still enjoys retirement.

Stacey, Elouise’s daughter is employed as an Administrative Assistant 3 for the state of Louisiana where she assists two attorneys. Her daughters Brea (10^th grade) and Kasey (9^th grade) both attend Thibodaux High School. Her oldest daughter, Eboni is in her second year at Fletcher Community College. Elouise is employed as a Sales Associate at Stage Department Store.

We have adjusted to our new lives in Thibodaux, Louisiana. The wonderful memories of the joyous times we shared together in New Orleans will linger in our hearts forever. We will never ever forget the friends of John Stocks! Without all of your kindnesses, blessings, and prayers, we would not have been able to survive such tragedies. When a family has an army of God’s troopers pulling and praying for them, EVERYTHING IS POSSIBLE.

Thank you and may God continue to bless you.

Sent:   Sun Aug 28 22:14:57 2005
Subject:        RE: Hurricane Katrina

I am very worried about this one.

Sent:   Sun Aug 28 21:44:13 2005
Subject:        RE: Hurricane Katrina

28 foot waves….this is horrible..those poor folks…trying to get out…

From: Stocks, John
Sent: Sun Aug 28 14:05:47 2005
Subject: Hurricane Katrina

It looks as though I can’t get hurricanes out of my life. Talked to my Dad who is going to ride it out in New Orleans. Can’t convince him to leave. Stubborn.

My grandparents lost their home on the Mississippi Gulf Coast during Camille in 1969, the last category 5 hurricane to hit the U.S.

From: Stocks, John
Date: Tue, 30 Aug 2005 12:45:12 +0000
Subject: Hurricane Katrina

Still have not heard from my father or brother.

Spoke with Lucinda’s daughter, Lois Ann. We grew up together. She is in Jackson with nine family members in a Comfort Inn. No water or electricity. She was going to move to a shelter because of the cost of the hotel. I told her to stay put and covered the hotel. She thinks the family home is under water.

The breech in the Bucktown levee is a very serious matter if they can’t get it fixed quickly..

I am probably going to have to take some time off to help the Ewell’s and my father and brother.  This is more serious than I thought at first. I will keep you posted.

From: Stocks, John
Date: Tue, 30 Aug 2005 14:34:05 +0000
Subject: HURRICANE KATRINA

It is not my nature to bring my personal business into the work place but what I am going to share with you is distracting me and you need to be aware of it.

My father and his wife (New Orleans) stayed in his home in New Orleans to “ride out” the hurricane. He is 75. I have not been able to contact him.

I believe that my brother and his family stayed at his home in Slidell, La. The city of Slidell is totally under water. I have not been able to contact him.

Thankfully, Lucinda’s (the women who raised me) family evacuated to Jackson. They are holed up in a Comfort Inn. Nine in a room. My deepest appreciation to Agnes Smith’s son who just went and checked on them. They are without electricity or running water buy are safe and dry.

Of less importance is my condo on Orange Beach, Alabama of which there is more damage after repairing it after a direct hit from Hurricane Ivan last year.

Needless to say I am distracted by these events. I will keep you posted about when I will be headed to New Orleans once the city is opened up.

From: Stocks, John
Date: Thu, 1 Sep 2005 22:29:07 +0000
Subject: HURRICANE KATRINA – YOUR OFFERS OF HELP ARE NOW NEEDED

Many of you are aware of my deep family roots in New Orleans and the Mississippi Gulf Coast.

For the past few days I have been struggling to contact family and friends in the New Orleans area to ascertain their circumstances in the wake of Hurricane Katrina.

Many of you have offered your thoughts, prayers and assistance.

I have identified loved ones in need and will open an account tomorrow to assist them. Anyone who contributes will get a report of how the money is spent.

I do not this to compete with other efforts to assist Hurricane Katrina victims.

Here is a brief status report of the situation from my vantage point:

My father and his wife ‘rode out the storm’ but as of yesterday have abandoned their home in the face of rising water, civil unrest, no prospects for the restoration of water, sewer and power service in the near future and loss of employment. At age 75 with 40 years of a psychiatric/psychoanalytic practice in New Orleans, his career may be over. He is a brilliant therapist who is very sad.

They are enroute to Wisconsin to live with my wife and kids for an undetermined period of time. They will arrive tomorrow with their 3 dogs, 2 cats and a homeless acquaintance who attended a local university. I am least worried about them and we will take care of them.

As a child I was raised in significant measure by Lucinda Ewell. She was there the day I was born and she walked me out the door to college. She passed earlier this year. Her family has always been close to me. Two of her grown daughters (Lois and Eloise) are stranded in Jackson, MS., in a Comfort Inn with seven other adults and children. There is no power or hot water. They only brought a few changes of clothes because they thought they were only going to be there a couple of days. Through the help of NEA leaders and staff and the Mississippi Association of Educators President and staff, they now have groceries and laundered clothes. May the Great Spirit bless you.

Eloise lost everything to flood waters. Her house is submerged. Her car is in her driveway. Her daughter and three elementary school age grandchildren are with her at the motel.

Lois’ neighborhood is flooded as well. She thinks she has lost everything but she is praying for a better outcome. Her daughter and four year old granddaughter are with her.

They don’t know if they will have a home or jobs when and if they return to New Orleans.

Lois and Eloise’s older brother, Percy, is missing.

I have asked them to consider coming to McFarland, Wisconsin and putting the kids in school here. They need to be in school and we have great public schools here. The Ewell families will need lots of help.

Adam, my baby brother is a survivor. He is the IT manager for Charter Communications in Louisiana. He and his wife and three children lost everything to the flood waters in his hometown of Slidell, LA. He is a former New Orleans Police Department paramedic and I suspect he may have been pressed into service. I have not been able to reach him since Tuesday after the storm passed but he and his family were safe then.

Anything you can give will be put to good use.

From: Stocks, John
Date: Sat, 3 Sep 2005 03:51:26 +0000
Subject: HURRICANE KATRINA

Today was spent preparing for the arrival of my father, his wife, the homeless college student and the animals.

My brother in law, Jon Glover, came over and we spent the day cleaning up the basement family room and storage area.

Daddy, Tiina and Shawn (the homeless college student) arrived @ 3pm. Exhausted from the storm and the travel. My father has aged considerably since I saw him earlier this year. He is most concerned about his patients and how they are coping with the aftermath of Katrina.

We turned  our back porch into a dog kennel. Trips to Menards for fencing and plexiglass. The dogs are settled for now.

We arranged for Shawn to travel on to Minneapolis. He is going to stay with his girlfriend’s mother and travel on to Portland, Oregon. He took such good care of my father, his wife and the animals.

Tomorrow we focus on the Ewell families in Jackson, MS.

Power is back on at the Comfort Inn in Jackson. Spoke to Eloise and she said the MAE staff (Lisa?) was checking on them regularly. Eloise was overcome with emotion when she spoke about the help from the MAE staff. God bless them. Thank you George Williams.

The problem now is the lack of gasoline. Lois and Eloise may go to Atlanta to look for work. I have tried calling them this evening for my twice a day check ins but have not been able to get through due to circuit problems.

I asked Eloise and Lois to think about coming to the Madison area to put their grandkids in school. We will talk again tomorrow.

Still no word on the condition of Lois’ house. Still no word from their brother Percy as of early this morning.

Pray for him.

Brother Adam called tonight and spoke with our dad. Daddy broke down and cried over the phone. It is hard for a son to see his father cry. He had not talked to Adam since before the storm.

Adam will call tomorrow to let me know what he needs to repair the damage to his home. I anticipate hauling a generator, sheetrock, the pop-up and other provisions to Slidell next week.

Adam is on a seven days a week work schedule in order to get Charter Communications back up. If they find out he is a former police department papramedic, the may conscript him.  His wife Becky is going to manage the repair of their flooded home. Their children’s school may not open for a couple of months.  I suspect Becky will need some help managing these circumstances. We will discuss with them sending the kids to Wisconsin for school.

People started arriving at the house today with checks and other provisions. It is overwhelming and I too could not hold back my emotions. This has been an emotional rollercoaster. I can only thank the Great Spirit for the safety of my loved ones and the generosity of my colleagues, family and friends.

If you would like to assist the Ewell families….you can send contributions made out to me.

I will give all contributors a full accounting how it is used.

Good night…long day tomorrow.

From: Stocks, John
Date: Sun, 4 Sep 2005 03:35:18 +0000
Subject: HURRICANE KATRINA – Help needed for the Ewell Families in Jackson, MS.

Nine human beings in a single motel room @ the Comfort Inn in Jackson.
(Interstate 55N)

Some small progress was made today. Gasoline was secured for the two cars after waiting in long lines. Power was restored to the motel and hot showers were taken. Some clothes were purchased at a local thrift store. The Salvation Army is working to arrange for FEMA to cover the costs of the motel. Tomorrow we will try to secure a second motel room, medicated lotion for the toddler and some decisions about next moves.

The Lois Ewell Phipps family. She is one of Lucinda’s four daughters.

Lois is with her daughter Courtney (24) and her grandson Vichaun (4).

Lois works for the Orleans Parish School District. She taught high school English for 24 years. She was a guidance counselor for 5 years and for the past five years has been the 504 (ADA) coordinator for the school district. Lois is one year and five months from retirement.

Lois does not know if she still has a job. She is prepared to relocate with her daughter and grandson if she can find a job in the field of education.

Courtney is 24. She is a single mom, currently unemployed and has been living with her mother. Vichaun is 4 years old (five in November).

Vichaun wears size 6-7 clothes and 10 1/2 shoes.

Vichaun has an Eczema type skin ailment and needs medicated lotion to treat it.  His ailment has been irritated due to lack of air conditioning. They are going to try and find a pharmacy and get the lotion.

The Eloise Ewell Casimir family. Eloise is one of Lucinda’s four daughters.

Eloise is a retired state employee. She is accompanied by her daughter Stacy. Eloise will relocate but does not want to be separated from her grandchildren.

Stacy does not know if she still has a job.. Stacy is 30 and has worked in client services for Pan American Insurance in New Orleans for eight years. Stacy has three children: Kasey (5), Brea (6), Eboni (9).

Kasey’s shoe size 13 1/2. Clothes 14 kids.

Brea’s shoe size 1 1/2. Clothes 16 kids.

Eboni’s shoe size 4. Clothes 5-6 misses.

Stacy’s companion Jerald Skinner does not know if he still has a job. He is 36 and also works for Pan American Insurance in billing/collections. He earned a BA from UNO in accounting in 2001. He interned with the IRS working on individual audits.

Today Jerald went to the Jackson airport to find a rental car to drive to Houston (a five hour drive). He found out his two year old, Cameron Skinner is in Houston General (?) for a blood transfusion. Cameron was born without the ability to oxygenate his blood. He has lived with daily breathing treatments but when Cameron and his mother were evacuated to Houston, they could not give him the breathing treatments. We wait tonight to hear from Jerald.

Other progress:

Father tracked down some of his patients.

Collected in hand $4,700 yesterday and today.

Brother Adam and his wife Becky are tearing sheetrock out of their house.

Lois and Eloise’s other sister Debbie Ann (Orleans Parish elementary school teacher) is in Atlanta and is being sponsored by a family there.

Still weighing heavy on the families:

Still no word from their brother Percy or his son Randall’s family. Sister Henrietta’s daughter Wanda is also missing.

Coming to grips with the fact that they are not returning to New Orleans anytime soon.

From: Stocks, John
Date: Mon, 5 Sep 2005 04:37:48 +0000
Subject: HURRICANE KATRINA – Preparing to bring supplies to Mississippi & Louisiana

Today was less productive than I would have liked.

Identified two vehicles, a pop up camper and a trailer. Need to find a second driver to leave Wednesday morning..

Pick up a generator tomorrow in Madison and the trailer in Green Bay.

Tuesday will be very busy: purchase sheetrock, load tools, generator, wire $$$ to the Ewell’s in Jackson,

JACKSON, MS.

Comfort Inn management says there are no other rooms available because Entergy, the utility company has secured them for their repair crews.

Attempted to make arrangements with Target for the Ewell families to purchase personal items and clothes.

Jerald Skinner’s son was moved to another hospital in Houston and awaits a blood transfusion. We await word.

Percy Ewell (Lucinda’s son), Randall Ewell (Percy’s son), Sterling and Laura Brooks (Henrietta’s son and daughter in law), Wanda Brooks (Henrietta’s daughter) are all still missing.

SLIDELL, LA.

Spoke with my brother. He needs insulation, sheetrock, a generator and the pop up to sleep in.

Hope to get there by Friday.

From: Stocks, John
Date: Tue, 6 Sep 2005 12:41:33 +0000
Subject: HURRICANE KATRINA – Angels of Mercy

Yesterday was exhausting and I fell asleep before I could write down my experiences from the day.

It was a bitter sweet day. We made progress on the little things in life that we often take for granted. Things like food, electricity, hot water, decent shelter, gasoline, telephone service, etc.

JACKSON, MS – The Ewell Families

Angels of mercy kicked into high gear today.

After a full day of aggressive advocacy and the generosity of the local utility company, we were able to secure a second hotel room right across the hall at the Comfort Inn. Thank the great spirit for small victories.

Arrangements were made for the Ewell families to purchase personal items and essentials at Target.

These two events made all the difference in their spirits.

We identified an apartment for them to look at that has three bedrooms, two baths and is @ 1300 square feet.

Today, we expect the arrival of packages of clothing at the hotel. We have arranged to wire money we have collected so they can find more permanent housing in Jackson. We will contact Stacy and Jerald’s employer to let them know they are alive. We will register the families with the Red Cross.

We still have not heard from Percy, Randall and his family, Sterling and his family, or Wanda. They all refused to evacuate the city. This weighs very heavily on the families. Pray for them.

Tomorrow morning I leave for Jackson and Slidell to assist the Ewell’s and my brother.

SLIDELL, LA.

Slidell was ground zero for Hurricane Katrina. There is not much left of the community.

The furniture, carpet, sheetrock and insulation are torn out of the my brother’s house. Now comes the monumental task of drying out what’s left and rebuilding.

We found a ‘fifth wheel’ for my brother and his family to live in while they rebuild their home.  Still no electricity so I am purchasing a generator this morning. Gasoline was acquired.

For Adam and Becky the big issue is time…. to work on the house.

Adam has been informed that he is on a seven day work week beginning today for Charter Communications in order to assist employees and get their systems up and running.

School officials say that October 1 is the absolute earliest for schools to open in Slidell so they are shuttling their children to Becky’s parents in Baton Rouge so Becky can work on the house.

I will go to give a helping hand.

MCFARLAND, WI.

Daddy, his wife, their three dogs, two cats and two cars have settled in. Our basement is their temporary home. It will do in a pinch. My father and his wife have borrowed some of our fleece because they are cold. We have told them that the temperature only goes downhill from here.

Daddy and his wife are on the phone constantly trying to reach their psychiatric and psychoanalytic patients. They are very concerned for them and their ability to cope with this trauma.

Daddy is thinking about heading back to help organize mental health services for the afflicted through the Tulane and LSU medical schools’ psychiatric departments. Love his spirit at 75.

Priorities for the day: Wire the money, service the van, buy the generator, pick up the trailer, purchase supplies, secure 501c3 to administer future donations, check in on all the families.

I cry when I think of all the support I have received from colleagues, dear friends and family. This is really hard stuff. You angels of mercy have made a big difference. I will never forget it.

May the Great Spirit bless you.

From: Stocks, John
Date: Thu, 8 Sep 2005 11:29:05 +0000
Subject: HURRICANE KATRINA – Blessed by Miracles

It has been two days since my last report. It is early morning in Mount Vernon (southern Illinois). The relief effort has begun in earnest. Commercial and military trucks full of heavy equipment, piping of all sizes, pumps, food, water and shelters are streaming down I-57 toward the Gulf Coast.

MOST FAMILY MEMBERS FOUND

Percy Ewell, his son Randall and his wife and Henrietta’s daughter Wanda have all been located. They are in shelters in Hattiesburg, San Antonio and Houston. Sisters Debbie Ann and Henrietta are in Atlanta. We are still waiting to hear from Henrietta’s son Sterling and his wife.

MIRACLE OF THE WEB

My friend Bill Christofferson writes a blog for http://www.Wispolitics.com. He posted the plight of the Ewell family. It turns out that a dear friend of Lois Ewell Phipps was searching franticallly for her family and punched her name into the Google search engine. Behold, Lois’ name came up in Bill’s web blog. The women emailed Bill and Bill put her in contact with me and in turn I put her in contact with Lois. Here is one of her emails to Bill.

I am trying to get in touch with the Ewell’s they all know me. My name is Gail Lang Anderson and I’m known as Lois’s “white daughter” I am in TX now but live in Covington, LA and will have power in about a week. Everyone of them can come to my house when I get back home. I can’t get through to the hotel because of phone issues.

Gail has since connected. A bright light in the Ewell familes’ ordeal.

THE ROAD SOUTH

My Green Bay brother in laws came through with a large covered trailer, large drying fans, a dehumidifier and other equipment for drying out my brothers’ house in order to prevent mold and mildew after the flood. It will take me another day to get to Jackson and then another half day to Slidell. I will be in Jackson late this afternoon.

MIRACLE OF MONEY AND BANK WIRE TRANSFERS

Many contributions have come in through the generosity of so many of you. This allowed us to wire money to the Ewells at the Comfort Inn yesterday.

MIRACLE OF THE EMAIL NETWORK OF FAMILY, COLLEAGUES AND FRIENDS

After emailing some family, a few colleagues and some friends, there have been many offers of money, clothes, and many other forms of assistance to the plight of the Ewell’s, my brother’s family, my father and his wife. To all of you we are immensely grateful.

MIRACLE OF THE TREO

None of what we have accomplished so far would have been possible without my handheld TREO. We are grateful to the NEA for the use of this equipment.

MY BROTHER’S FAMILY

It would be hard to know if my brother was under any stress but I know he is under a lot. He, his wife and three children are scrambling to repair their home which flooded during the storm. Adam has removed out all the carpet, sheetrock and furniture that was damaged in the flood. The home appears to be ok structurally. He is working seven days a week trying to bring Charter Communications back online in Louisiana. Becky shuttles the children between her parents in Gonzales, La. and their torn apart home in Slidell. Almost a two hour drive. Gas prices are outrageous.

Thank the Great Spirit, the insurance adjuster showed up yesterday.

FATHER AND HIS WIFE ARE SETTLING IN

My father and his wife are settling in. We all know it will be a while before they can return to their home in New Orleans. They have arranged for their medicines and will registered with FEMA. Loss of income is a growing challenge. They have secured an internet connection and are gathering information through the web. The three dogs and two cats are a bit disoriented but very well behaved.

THE MCFARLAND FAMILIES

Please distribute this out to the growing networks of family, colleagues, friends and blessed strangers that have been contacted and offered help to our family. We can’t keep track of them all but we are eternally grateful. We keep reminding ourselves that this is a marathon, not a sprint.

From: Stocks, John
Date: Fri, 9 Sep 2005 15:37:55 +0000
Subject: HURRICANE KATRINA – The Jackson Reunion – Tears of Joy and Sadness

My choice of CD’s for the road trip was last minute, random and unintentional. Although the messages were profound.

South out of Wisconsin with Bruce’s patriotic theme song ‘Born in the USA.’. A missionary hymmnal of sorts for the tasks ahead. Through Memphis listening to Paul Simon’s ‘Graceland’ and onto Jackson with Aretha Franklin singing ‘The Weight’ and Neil Young’s ‘Helpless’. Preparation for what was to come.

The US Interstate infrastructure is in serious need of repair particularly in southern Illinois and Missouri. Another indication of the nation’s misplaced priorities.

Many displaced people on the road, at the truck stops, in the rest areas, on the highways. Some leaving, some returning, all shocked and dazed. Lots of children with parents and relatives. Some are people of means and others had little and have nothing to go back to and nowhere to go. Race and class matter little to them. The shared experience of the tragedy erases those barriers. Ironically this tragedy has forged a common bond amongst strangers.

THE JACKSON REUNION

I called ahead after numerous attempts to get through. I told them to gather up for dinner. Lois said ‘ a hot meal….really’ I said ‘of course, a night on the town’. The Ewell families waited in the motel lobby. I caught Lois’ eye when we walked in and we ran to one another and cried. Tears of joy and sadness.

We all piled into two cars with two local heros and took off for a hot southern meal. I sat with the children. The adults needed a well deserved break. Our local heros entertained.

The children and I ate roasted peanuts and threw the shells on the floor. We colored the children’s menu with our crayons, we completed the word search puzzles, spelled our names and teased each other. They tried to braid my hair but found it too short and too straight. They ate whatever they wanted and I insisted on everyone having dessert. It was a glorious time.

The adults visited with our two local heros, had cocktails and good food.

Back at the motel we opened up the gifts I brought down from my sister in law and other packages that had arrived from angels of mercy throughout the country. More tears, more sadness, more joy.

Vichaun, the four year old little boy looked up at his grandmother and asked, “Grandma, is it Christmas?” Lois eyes welled up with tears. She was speechless.

For a few hours, we distracted them from their troubles, let them know they were not going to be forgotten and gave them tremendous hope that things are going to work out on the road ahead. Thanks to all of you who have and are maikng this happen.

ALL THE FAMILY MEMBERS HAVE BEEN LOCATED

Sterling’s family is safe. Wanda (Henrietta’s daughter) was rescued from the roof of her flooded home by helicopter and sent to Houston. Percy and his wife are in Hattiesburg, they have gotten an apartment, Debbie Ann and Henrietta are in Atlanta and have been sponsored by a family. They are moving into a house. This close knit family has been split apart across a vast geography. Thank the Great Spirit they are safe.

BIG DECISIONS

Stacy got on a national conference call with her employer, Pan American Life Insurance. Her division is relocating to Dallas. Lois and Eloise don’t want to split up the families so they may all go with Stacy. Lois is one year and 5 months from retirement in Louisiana. The weight of the decision to leave Louisiana is enormous. Eloise will go to Dallas to be with her daughter and grandchildren but is worried about whether her retiree HMO will pay for health care in Dallas. Stacy has put in 8 years at Pan American and does not want to start over. These are big decisions for all of them.

ONTO SLIDELL AND BACK TO JACKSON

I leave today with the trailer to Slidell to help my brother and his family with fixing their house. I will try to report tomorrow from there. No guarantees. I expect my energies will be consumed.

My deepest appreciation to you alll for your support, prayers and assistance. ~Johno

From: Stocks, John
Date: Sun, 11 Sep 2005 15:48:54 +0000
Subject: HURRICANE KATRINA – South to Evangeline – It tried to wash you away

It has been two days since my last report.

Aaron Neville sings a song about the historic flood of New Orleans. It has become the theme song for this tragedy.

South out of Jackson across the Louisiana border. Lovebugs cloud the windshield. Wind damage from the storm is everywhere. A steady flow of trucks hauling generators, piping, welding equipment, water, fuel, and all types of heavy equipment. Now FEMA trucks are hauling fifth wheels and camper trailers for temporary housing.

Adam calls on the road and tells me to head to his in-laws in Zachary, north of Baton Rouge. We will head to Slidell the next day.

EAST FELICIANA PARISH

West to Clinton, Louisiana, a trip back in time to the deep south. The stately courthouse reminds me of the movie, The Diary of Miss Jane Pittman. The little towns are crowded with evacuees from New Orleans. No television crews here. The story of the impact on rural communities will largely go untold.

EAST BATON ROUGE PARISH

Slight damage in Zachary compared to points east. Arrive at Adam’s in-laws. Warm welcome. Father retired teacher. Mother still works in law enforcement. Lots of teachers in this family. A sister-in-law stops by to visit. She teaches at Zachary High School across the street. 100 evacuee students from New Orleans  enrolled in this rural  high school. The teachers and education support professionals in these schools are seeing the human impact first hand. A story not likely to be told unless we tell it.

Roll my sleeping bag out after dinner and crash. Tomorrow we head to Slidell, ground zero.

ST TAMMANY PARISH

SLIDELL – Ground Zero

The children stay back with their grandparents. Two hours in heavy traffic across I-12 to Slidell. I-10 is closed so all the west-east traffic is going north of Lake Ponchatrain. The devastation multiples as we head east. Military helicopters constantly overhead headed to New Orleans.

We arrive in the city where the eye of the storm passed over. Shops are destroyed. Electricity coming back slowly. The people we encounter are stunned. You can see the pain from the trauma in their eyes. Dazed and despairing, they await to hear about colleagues,friends and family. They gather their faculties to deal with their homes and businesses. Slidell got the brunt of the eye wall winds and a flood surge from the Lake Ponchatrain.

We pull into Adam’s sub division. The insides of homes are piled on the lawns. A few portable generators whine in the distance. It is time to unload the trailer and get to work.

Pulling sheetrock all day is a miserable job in 95 degree heat with high humidity. Need to get the house dried out before the mold and mildew take over and ruin it.

Adam and Becky are resourceful and determined. They are arranging for insurance adjusters, roofers, contractors, etc. Becky arranges for FEMA to tarp the roof. Got to be done before the next rain.

Neighbors lend each other equipment. Warn each other of the price gougers and con-artists. People commiserate together.

We sweep up the debris, set up the blower fans and fire up the generator to run all night. We finish the day @ 8:30 pm. Load up and drive the two hours back to Zachary. Shower off the dust and grime, lay down and crash. Tomorrow we are back at it.

The generator, fans  and dehumidifier will probably prevent any mold problem. Pray we don’t get another storm. It’s the beginning of the hurricane season.

From: Stocks, John
Date: Thu, 15 Sep 2005 10:57:54 +0000
Subject: HURRICANE KATRINA – North to Jackson

It is early in the morning on Thursday.

SLIDELL – Electricity Restored Prompts Celebration

We take for granted the importance of electricity to our daily lives. What it does for us, how much it costs and how it is produced. Working with electricity produced by a portable generator has its limitations. Without the generator we purchased in Wisconsin and hauled down to Louisiana, we might not have beaten the mold.

Itinerate Roofing Crews

The US Corps of Engineers provides a valuable service to people with damaged roofs. They install blue tarps over the damaged areas for free.

Yesterday three itinerate roofing crews showed up in the neighborhood. One crew was black out of northern Mississippi, one crew hispanic out of Texas and the other crew was white out of northern Louisiana. Each crew working in the boiling sun on our roof and others in the neighborhood.  I was struck how these crews were segregated by race but not by class. I wondered if there was a Cesar Chavez, Dr. Martin Luther King or a Mother Jones in their midst who could cross the barriers of race and ethnicity and lead them around their common economic self interests. Maybe someday.

I brought them cold water from our ice chest. They finished their jobs and moved on.

Falling Hazard Trees

Fell two pine trees with broken and dangling  limbs in the backyard. First tree fell perfectly between the neighbors fence and the house. Bucked it up and hauled it away.

Cut the second tree. It was a perfect notch and the hinge wood on the back cut was going to lay it down in the target zone.

Just my luck and stupidity. I hung it up in a neighbors pine. A fallers worst nightmare. They don’t call them ‘widow makers’ for nothin. Got the truck…Becky bought a tow strap and we jerked it out of the neighbor’s tree. Bucked it up and there it lay. I think I will keep my day job.

NORTH TO JACKSON

After packing up the drying equipment, I will leave for Jackson, MS., the Comfort Inn and the long road home. Adam and Becky are in better shape. They can manage the chaos now.

It is time to refocus my attention on the Ewell’s and their impending decision about where to relocate. Lois and I have discussed it briefly but I need to be a sounding board for her and the family as they process their options.

Last night New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin said on Larry King Live that he would  announce a phased in repopulation plan for the city tomorrow. I pray it doesn’t raise false hopes. These people have gone through enough.

RELIEF FUND CONTRIBUTORS AND PEOPLE SENDING PACKAGES

First, a big thank you to all who have contributed and will contribute to the relief fund. The bulk of the remaining funds and additional funds contributed will probably be used for the costs of relocating the Ewell families. More on that later.

Also thanks to the many people around the country who have sent packages to the Ewell’s at the Comfort Inn.

THANKS TO THE NEA

My deepest appreciation to Reg Weaver, John Wilson and others at the NEA for allowing me to take this time to assist my family. I am truly blessed to work with such kind and caring people.

BIGGEST FEAR

My biggest fear is that as soon as Hurricane Katrina ‘comes off the front page’ the families of New Orleans will fall victim to America’s 24 hour new cycle and short attention span. Witness the Iraq War. Please help us make sure that this doesn’t happen.

From: Stocks, John
Date: Mon, 19 Sep 2005 23:27:11 +0000
Subject: HURRICANE KATRINA – The Long Road Home

JACKSON – Thursday night

We gathered in Lois’ room to open up packages that are arriving from all over the country. The children wait restlessly in anticipation of the contents.

The parents and grandparents hope for clothes to supplement the three day supply they brought from New Orleans. The children wish for toys, dolls, books and crayons. It is all a bit overwhelming because they know their stay at the Comfort Inn will be ending soon.

Tomorrow, Stacy’s three girls will leave with their father for Tennessee. Another temporary home, another family and a new school to navigate in a strange community.

The grandmothers are worn out, anxious and troubled about the family splitting up. They dread the girls’ departure tomorrow. It weighs heavy on their spirit.

After showing the children how to make and throw paper airplanes in the motel lobby, the girls attempt to braid my hair again.

Stacy, Jerald, Courtney and I gather up the four children to take them out to dinner and give Lois and Elouise some time to rest.

Off to Shoney’s for the dinner buffet of ribs and chicken. The waitress is compassionate and very attentive. She inquired right away if we were in Jackson because of the hurricane.

One of the girls leans over and whispers in my ear that she is scared to leave her mother tomorrow. I do my best to hold back the tears and reassure her that it will be alright. I yearn deep inside for a different outcome.

Goodbye ‘Uncle Johno’

Back to motel to say my goodbyes. The children give me long hugs. I toss Vichaun over the bed and tuck him in. They ask ‘When will we see you again Uncle Johno?’  Tears streaming down my face, not knowing for sure, I tell them ‘soon’.

FRIDAY – Diamonds on my windshield…I’m driving a steel train in the rain.

Gas up the night before. Up and out before the sun. Storm clouds gather to the north as the sun rises. Large drops of rain hit the windshield intermittently. I am reminded of a verse in a Tom Waits’ song I heard many years ago, ‘Diamonds on my windshield, I’m driving a steel train in the rain. This truck and trailer feel like a steel train. The torrents follow.

Clouds break over Tennessee. With lots of time inside my mind, I am haunted by the uncertainties the Ewell adults and children face. The split up has begun across three states. If you add in Debbie Ann and Henrietta, it’s four states. I can hardly bear it.

Safe at Anchor

Sixteen hours of straight driving through Mississippi, Tennessee, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois and Wisconsin, Only stopping for gas and repairs to the lights on the trailer. I call family, friends and colleagues to stay awake. I finally pull into my driveway a little after 10pm. I am physically and emotionally spent. As I think about my journey and the challenges ahead for my family, another verse captures my tired imagination.

‘ Riding out the storm like a ship safe at anchor
Waiting out the long voyage around the cape of hope will take her….’
~Kate Wolf, folk singer/songwriter

From: Stocks, John
Date: Tue, 4 Oct 2005 22:43:55 +0000
Subject: FW: HURRICANE KATRINA – People Like You

Some of you may have already received this, but others have asked me to send it.

The displacement of a family from a city that has been their home for generations and the splitting up of that same family to unfamiliar cities across the southeastern United States is emotionally devastating. Hurricane Katrina and our governments’ inadequate response to this tragedy have ripped apart the fabric of a family whose only desire is to return to what is familiar.

JACKSON

Lois, Elouise, Courtney and Vauchan are still in the Comfort Inn in Jackson. Hurricane Rita postponed their plans to move back to Louisiana. Lois is determined to find a job in Louisiana that will afford her the opportunity to work 1 year and five months more within the state teacher retirement system so she does not lose her eligibility. This weighs heavy on her mind. Once they settle on where to relocate, we will assist with their relocation expenses and pursuit of employment.

FEMA denied Elouise’s claim for the $2000 cash grant that is being given to families displaced by Katrina. Despite the fact that her home was completely under water and she lost her car, the agency concluded that she had no damage. After days and days of trying to straighten this out over the phone, Elouise grew frustrated .This bureaucratic incompetence prompted Elouise to take action. She contacted a reporter from a local Jackson television station and told her story. The story aired on the evening news. Last I heard, this action got FEMA’s attention and they were promising to correct the mistake.

DALLAS

Stacy and Jerald have relocated to Dallas with their New Orleans based company Pan American Life. In the midst of their relocation, Jerald’s grandmother died. He traveled to Virginia for the services. Stacy has temporary housing, She deeply misses her children.

Stacy’s children, Eboni, Brea and Kasey are living in the Memphis area with their father. They have started school. I will forward their address in the next couple of days.

ATLANTA

Henrietta, Debbie Ann, Gerard, Steve, Paula, Mark, Doris, Samantha, and Broderick are still living in a Comfort Inn near Atlanta. Gerard has found a job at a barber shop. Debbie Ann, an Orleans Parish second grade teacher for 22 years, is looking for work in the Cobb County school district. Our relief effort has provided them with funds to begin to furnish the house.

NEW ORLEANS

Steve and Mark traveled this weekend to New Orleans. They figured out a way to get into the city to survey the damage in the families’ neighborhood. They confirmed what everyone has suspected…their homes and the cars that were left behind are a total loss. Now begins the struggle with the insurance companies. It is hard to know your policy number, method of payment, coverage, etc. when all of your records were left in your home, possibly destroyed and you can’t get access to the city. The days ahead will be frustrating for all of the families as they try to ascertain what losses will be covered.

MCFARLAND, WISCONSIN

My father called last night. He and his wife are hoping to return to New Orleans by the end of October to restart their lives.

SLIDELL, LOUISIANA

My brother Adam has been offered a job in the Greenville, South Carolina area. He is contemplating a move. Reconstruction of his house is slow.

PEOPLE LIKE YOU

As a young community organizer in the early 1980’s I became acquainted with singer/songwriter Si Kahn. His songs and music have had a profound impact on me over the years. The outpouring of support from my family, friends and colleagues has reminded me of his song “People Like You”. I will never forget what all of you have done.

People like you help people like me go on…go on…go on ~Si Kahn

From: Stocks, John
Date: Fri, 16 Dec 2005 02:10:35 +0000
Subject: HURRICANE KATRINA – A Plea for Help for the Forgotten

The holiday season is upon us. Pageants, parties and gift giving.

Regardless of our religious beliefs or practice, the end of the year provides all of us with a short respite from the chaotic pace many of us maintain throughout the year.

October was the last time I reported on the victims of Hurricane Katrina in my family.. Recent conversations have revealed that this time of year is particularly hard on them.

My father and his wife returned to New Orleans to start over. Neither of them have returned to full-time work. My father underwent surgery and is recovering slowly. He has not had time to focus on rebuilding his practice. He is 76 and this experience has accelerated his aging. Tiina, his wife, is shouldering the burden of taking care of him during his recovery and their recovery from Katrina.

Henrietta, Debbie Ann, Doris, Steve, Paula, Gerrard, Broderick and Samantha  have relocated to the Atlanta area. I visited them recently accompanied by a dear friend and colleague. It was a joyous reunion.

They are all living in a nice home trying to find  employment in the Cobb County area. Samantha and Broderick have enrolled in the local high school.  They have shelter, some basic furnishings and themselves. Surprisingly they feel blessed despite their circumstances.

My brother Adam, his wife Becky and their two children (Jessica and Courtney) are still living with Adam’s mother. They have been working feverously to repair their flood damaged home. It appears that they won’t be able to move back in until after the holidays.

Stacey and her children, Eboni, Brea and Kasey have recently moved back to the New Orleans area. The children are living with their father who has returned to work near the city. Stacey is sharing a small apartment with a colleague until she can find an affordable place that is near her mother, Elouise, and large enough for her and the children.

Courtney and little Vauchan are still in Jackson, Mississippi. They have moved into a small apartment, enrolled Vauchan in school and Courtney is looking for work. They hope to visit Lois (Courtney’s mom) over the holidays. They will probably have to take a bus to Thibodeaux. Courtney does not have a car.

Elouise and Lois have moved from Belle Rose, where they were sharing a bedroom in a cousins home, to Thibodeaux, Louisiana where they have rented a small apartment. Like their sisters in Atlanta, the future is uncertain in a new community. Lois is still without work despite being a highly qualified teacher and education administrator in the Orleans Parish School District. Her biggest worry is that her health insurance is going to be terminated in January. She is 59 and very frightened about that prospect.

Some of you have asked me about my connection to the Ewell family. Lucinda (mother of Henrietta, Elouise, Lois and Debbie Ann) was a housekeeper who came to work for our family in 1956, six months before I was born and walked me out the door the day I left home for college. She was my mother, my guardian, my rock of stability. She taught me my manners, my values, my yearning for justice. She taught me about race and class in the Old South. She never let me stray from the path of education. Ignorance was unacceptable.

REQUEST FOR MORE ASSISTANCE

I have hesitated to ask you for more assistance but the enormity of the challenges these families face are beyond what any one person can handle.

Your substantial donations (@$40,000) to this relief effort to date have helped to repair, secure and furnish places to live for these families displaced from their homes in New Orleans. We thank you for what you have done already to stabilize their lives. Some have lost everything.

These families still need our help and I want us to brighten their lives during the holidays. So I am asking you,  my friends, colleagues and family, to email me a pledge of financial assistance. Thank you.