Emily and I will never know what it was like to face Katrina head on, to live through the Superdome, to hang for dear life from a roof top, or to wade through a river that was once a street. We did not feel what it was like to not know how - or where - our family was; or the despair of losing a home, a job, a lifetime of treasures and a way of life.
We do know that even though we were hundreds of miles away, safe and dry, Katrina changed both of us, forever.
Katrina changed us because of all of you. It was a year ago today we built this site and it is one of the best things either one of us has ever done. Each and every one of you has inspired us and taught us lessons of hope, strength, generosity and love.
Last night I had the honor of attending, with my dad, a prayer service to mark the one year anniversary of the storm at Manna From on High Ministries in East Pittsburgh, PA. It was a beautiful service and I am still overcome by the amazing music and voices I heard. Recording artist Anita Levels sang two of her songs, “Restore the Soul” and “Change Comin’” and all I can say is: get her CD. She is a true and brilliant talent. Also, the singing group Agape performed and if you know of their website, please send it to me so I can post it here. They are incredible. It was a joy to meet so many wonderful people.
Lurline Cadogan, Chairperson of the Gulf Coast Connection here in Pittsburgh and in Philadelphia, spoke at the end of the service about her belief that the next time something like Katrina strikes, people will be prepared. But, she has learned, the power to survive and thrive depends on two things: knowledge and love. Lurline asked everyone there last night to get a copy of the U.S. Constitution and read it, to fully understand our rights and responsibilities as citizens of the United States. I promised I would post a link to the Constitution on this site: Click Here. The Constitution’s Preamble is as follows:
The Constitution of the United States Preamble
We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.
Thank you all for everything you have done. A year has gone by, and it is not over yet. We are here as long as you need us.
Ever since I heard at BlogHer about the amazing thing you two have done I have been telling others — especially all the DC people who hardly ever even go online — about the great good you were able to do. Women are always better at pulling things together from nothing and working together without looking for a lot of praise but you two have broken the mold. I’m posting this knowing that I speak for so many people who sat around saying “somebody really ought to DO something” while you were DOING it.
All my respect and admiration.