Comments on: Cooking up a storm in New Orleans

By: Mary

Mary — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 14:27:15 +0000

Jessica, thank you so much for your efforts. Though my family did not experience the total destruction of the Lower 9th or N.O. East, for which we are thankful, it did take nearly two years for our home repairs to be completed. Now that we have been back in our own home for a few months, the healing can progress.

Many people who have not been directly affected by Katrina are puzzled by the apparent passivity of its victims, especially the victims who were on the lower end of the economic and educational spectrum.

It is not passivity; it is depression and despair.

Even for our relatively fortunate family, and disruption of moving among 6 different temporary “homes” in 12 weeks, the financial strain and insurance frustration and red tape and everyone from contractors to inspectors to grocery stores being critically understaffed, have taken their toll. I cannot imagine how much worse it must be for people who lost so much more.

I don’t know how they find the strength to get up in the morning, honestly. Small wonder that they self-medicate with alcohol or drugs or food or whatever they can find to blunt the pain for a little while.

The good will and practical help from people like you and Ms. Carroll and so many others are what have kept us from falling apart. You cannot possibly know how much good you all have done because it’s not just about what’s visible. Seeing that someone cares is balm for our hearts and spirits; it’s literally priceless. Bless you.

By: Heather Champagne

Heather Champagne — Mon, 21 Jan 2008 03:45:59 +0000

Thanks for the wonderful info about New Orleans! I enjoyed working with Culinary Corp again in the later part of 2007. Christine is a great organizer and has a good heart. I will be opening up my shop in Metairie, Louisiana in February 2008. There I will sell my praline sauce and hope I could get distribution nationally. (Baby steps) I would like to see the pictures of us and send me one when you get this. If you need any assistance on getting an event going nearby I am your person.

By: Jessica "Su Good Sweets"

Jessica "Su Good Sweets" — Sat, 19 Jan 2008 21:55:34 +0000

You’re very welcome! There’s still much work to be done in NOLA. I may have gone once, but I respect those who’ve gone back multiple times to help.

By: Wholesale Fashion Accessories

Wholesale Fashion Accessories — Wed, 16 Jan 2008 20:23:57 +0000

It is quite heartwarming to see the work you have done.

God Bless all of your volunteers.

The aftermath of Katrina has been more than the area could bear, and we are stilling feeling it’s impact today.

Thanks goodness for folks like you who have helped so much in bridging the gap between the after storm chaos and where we are today.

We could not have done it without you!

By: Grace

Grace — Sat, 07 Jul 2007 01:41:35 +0000

Reading this is almost like reliving this. I can just smell the rot like it was yesterday. I enjoyed working alongside you out there. That whole experience has impacted my life in ways I haven’t even noticed yet!