Losing My Identity

I never realized how apathetic people can be towards great tragedy. I myself am included in that. Hurricanes have destroyed Florida, Caribbean islands. Tsunamis have hit the far east. Earthquakes plague the west coast. How often have people actually cared that aren't directly involved? I don't think it makes you a bad person. It hard to be emotionally involved when you are so detached. Imaging the true loss of such disasters is impossible to comprehend and understand.

I've been to New Orleans 3 times, last time when I was 16. However, my heart breaks for New Orleans. Why should I care so much? My grandmother and aunt and cousin live nearby, but they are unharmed, despite their property. How can I explain why my heart aches for New Orleans?

The earliest recorded relative of mine that I know of lived in New Orleans in 1750. He came over during the French settlement. He helped build the city. He helped found the unique character and charm that is found no where else in the world. This was carried on for over 200 years by my ancestors. They are part of me, and their city is now destroyed. I feel like part of myself was washed away with those waters. The priceless, irreplaceable history that is New Orleans is my history as well. With its loss, I lost my history as well. We don't know yet how much has been lost. The French Quarter was spared compared to the rest of the city, but was still under 2 feet of water. The huge historic mansions of New Orleans have been flooded, and it may be impossible to repair them.

This feeling I have has put it into perspective for me. The people who actually lived there, they've lost their history, their loved ones, their memories, their possessions, their lives as they know it. It is something that is impossible to understand, as hard as we all try.

My heart aches for them, and my beloved city.

Please donate to The Red Cross to help the victims that have lost more than we can comprehend: www.redcross.org.