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Coleen Perilloux Landry | all galleries >> Picture a Day >> Gallery of September 2005 > September 16_Hurricane Katrina aftermath
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16-SEP-2005 Coleen Perilloux Landry

September 16_Hurricane Katrina aftermath

Lafreniere Park_Metairie, Louisiana

This is exactly as it came out of my camera because I do not have a program to crop etc.
It was a hard day. We worked in the house in Metairie for the sixth day and there doesn't seem to be much progress. The mountain of personal belongings and flooring in front of my house grew larger. The one thing I regret losing is a steamer trunk that was full to the brim of my four children's books--all their books we had bought and read to them since they were born. I now have one pair of shoes, the ones that were on my feet when I evacuated. I had packed a pair of tennis shoes in my bag but ruined them the first day in the water of the house. Maybe I can call Emelda Marcos for shoes.
My husband was so exhausted I sent him back to Perilloux Place ahead of me. Our 89 year old neighbor had a massive stroke and probably won't live the night. His wife has Alzheimer's. I had gotten them to our local hospital to ride out the hurricane and they stayed there a week.
I went to Lafreniere Park and fed the ducks, geese and swans about 150 pounds of cracked corn. Not a National Guardsman to be found so I hauled them myself. Next time I'll bring a wagon. There are so many egrets in one area of the Bird Island--it was as though they were having a meeting--about 100 of them. The trees over the water are full of dead herons, egrets and ibises. Broke my heart to see that, and if anyone tells me that is nature's way I'll scream.
The Park is full of activity of construction equipment that has been allowed to take up headquarters there for use throughout the region. The soccer fields are being used for a dumping ground for tree debris and trucks were going in and out constantly. There were mountains of debris.
Tomorrow I was promised a ride in a police car to go to City Park and also to photograph the oaks on St. Charles Avenue both areas that are still offlimits and patrolled by National Guardsmen.
I am back at Perilloux Place and will soak myself in Epsom Salts--the best thing in the world for a tired body.
Tomorrow is another day and hopefully the mountain in front of the Metairie house will be picked up and taken to wherever they take storm damage.

Canon PowerShot G5
1/400s f/4.0 at 28.8mm full exif

other sizes: small medium original auto
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carol j. phipps04-Apr-2006 03:15
Sobering! indeed! Thank you for sharing a piece of your story and this picture in which you have captured an enduring gracefulness.
Lee Rudd17-Sep-2005 16:05
This is a sad picture... I remember it so full of life, even when it was so hot and sticky. I do hope that the bird and wildlife can survive through the efforts to rebuild and recover New Orleans.
Neal Nye17-Sep-2005 11:37
It's wonderful that you can care for the wildlife when you have so much to do. I suppose few people give them a second thought. I am also so appreciative that you can keep us all informed with your photos and reports. I hope you remember to pace yourself and not get hurt. My very best to you and your family.
laine8217-Sep-2005 06:43
When I heard about the debri of waste going into the Lake & associated waterways I wondered about the birds & the fish & what effect its going to have on the wildlife. As for your personal effects I am sorry to hear of the loss. Forget Emelda Marcos's shoes...your too good to walk in them !!
Your neighbours ire in my thoughts, Coleen.
petesie17-Sep-2005 01:59
Bless you heart, Coleen. (I hate it when people tell me that, but sometimes it fits.) It is so wonderful what you are doing for your birds, and I know you will be happy when they recover from this terrible time. I'm so sad for your neighbors, and for the loss of your children's treasured memories. Take care of yourself.
Gayle P. Clement17-Sep-2005 01:10
Shoot, I pushed this too quickly. This does look rather sad right now but I know it will be beautiful again in a few months.
Gayle P. Clement17-Sep-2005 01:09
Very nice shot.
Di17-Sep-2005 01:09
Hang in there, girl. One foot in front of the other, breath in and then out. This too shall pass. You are in my thoughts. You are a strong woman and your strength will see you through.
Guest 17-Sep-2005 00:31
It is heart-breaking, but it is wonderful to see your photos and hear from you. You have so much courage to face what you see each day! Thank you for keeping us informed (and for feeding our feathered friends). Linda
Dan Chusid17-Sep-2005 00:31
Time will heal though it can't replace the lost memories.
Keep your spirits up and the little things will make
you smile.
northstar3717-Sep-2005 00:15
A hot bath can revive the spirit. And I hope you sleep well tonight.
Mindy McNaugher17-Sep-2005 00:10
Coleen, I am so sorry! It breaks my heart reading your personal account of what you are dealing with! I can't imagine what this is like! As Cindy said, I do hope your photography is therapy for you! Despite all the loss, you haven't lost your wonderful eye for shots like this! I will certainly include your neighbor in my prayers!
Robin Reid17-Sep-2005 00:06
It is good to have you posting again even though the story is heartbreaking. I do believe you favored wildlife will bounce back well. Nature usually does.
Cindy Flood16-Sep-2005 23:51
I hope that your photography is therapy for you. It is so sad to see your treasures thrown in a heap of trash. At least you both still have your health. I will pray for your neighbor.