Thoughts on Katrina

I feel like I need to mention something about Katrina, but I'm too hurt to know what to say. The devastation is incredible. I've spent most of the afternoon watching a New Orleans news channel's online feed. The anchors are at a loss for words -- how do you cover a hurricane after losing your own home? It breaks my heart.

And it hits close to home, literally. New Orleans, Biloxi, Gulfport -- they're all a few hours drive from Memphis. I've spent a lot of time vacationing along the Gulf. And with Dad on hurricane duty through the years, I've seen the damage caused by Hugo. And Andrew. And Opal and Floyd and Ivan.

I've seen the destruction of specific places -- restaurants, shops, etc. -- to which I attach very special family memories. I've also seen them rebuild ... never the same, but just as strong. And beyond that, I think Dad has given me a deeper understanding of the people affected by these storms. Knowing what storm survivors go through -- what they don't show on the news -- brings me to tears, even though I've never lost my home or my car or my clothes or my family.

I know times are tight right now, and a lot of people don't even know how they'll pay for their next tank of gas. But if you can help out those affected by Katrina, please do. FEMA has a list of recommended charities aiding in storm relief.

Like I said, they'll overcome and they'll rebuild. But it'll never be the same.