Taken for Granted

There were so many things that I took for granted before Hurricane Katrina decimated the Mississippi Gulf Coast. One was the beauty that once existed. Another was scenes from childhood would always be there.

When my Dad was first stationed at the Naval Construction Battalion Center in Gulfport, one of the first things I saw was the Broadwater Marina in Biloxi. The boats that used to moor there were beautiful but the marina itself was a feast for the eyes. Elegant curves of white concrete used to provide cover for the boats cozily moored. The cover seemed to echo the gentle white caps of the surf.

But as with so many sights my eyes once glanced upon, Hurricane Katrina destroyed it.

The concrete supports and the pilings are all gone now. The debris has been cleared and plans are for a casino resort to be built.

Things change all the time. But words and pictures cannot convey the overwhelming changes Hurricane Katrina made to the landscape of Mississippi cities such as Gulfport, Biloxi, Long Beach, and so many others.

In 8 hours, Hurricane Katrina wiped out almost 300 years of history. Homes built in the early 1800's no longer grace Highway 90. Live oaks over 300 years old were mowed over like tinder.

But we'll persevere. Homes and business will be built better and stronger and we'll rebuild together.