Hurricane Katrina revisited: We're thinking about it, too

I’m still mesmerized by Hurricane Katrina, even now. As the media coverage has ramped up all week with a five-year look back, I am pulled back, too, to the weekend in 2005 that started normally enough but changed me forever by the time it was over. You wouldn’t know it, but we ended up in the thick of Katrina, helping a client assist their local employees with temporary housing, long-term housing, a major regional office solution (a campsite with trailers), pet housing and… well, the list went on.

We were called to action slowly, then suddenly we were having mass quantities of phone lines installed. We ordered bedding for an entire hotel! None of what we did fell into our traditional core business; but, like all of us out there who could, we stood ready and willing to help. It was a long, uncharted road, and we were proud to do our part.

I fondly remember all the friends that helped us staff the phones, the local AT&T engineers that dropped in tons of phone lines with no notice, the determination mantra as we tried to find hotel rooms out of harm’s way, the conference calls that went on at all hours, the voices on the other end of the phone that we desperately wanted to help, the regional staff that became our close friends virtually (many of whom we actually never did meet). I remember my team looking to me for direction, the constant hustle and shifting to try to get a plan. Change the plan, try again and try again.

Today, as I’ve watched all the TV specials play, I’m brought back to that month. But in true MOC and Co. style, it is all on the positive side. In the years that followed Katrina, we have done quite a bit of work in New Orleans, bringing several events to the Crescent City. I am now a raving fan! We love the people, love the food and love the style that can’t be found anywhere else in the world. New Orleans really is a unique and special place in the USA, and we should continue to care for it as a prized possession. It is a gem like no other in the world, and we should commit to preserving its character. When you’re in New Orleans, it's like you’ve landed in a foreign city but with all the comforts of home.

I am most struck by the faces as I watch them on TV. We know these faces well in an esoteric kind of way. These days, when I travel to New Orleans, I see the faces again; and I’m pleased to say I fully understand why the depth of character is so beautiful in a New Orleansian. They live life to the fullest on both ends of the spectrum – from party to piety. Because of that, I will forever love New Orleans and its people. I can and do respect a culture that goes "all in" when it comes to living.

While the media recalls the history of the Katrina disaster this weekend, I'll be reflecting on all I have come to love about New Orleans. The people, the food, the colors, the grit, the parties, the authenticity, the strife and the successes. Oh, and the music, too.

On Monday I’m sure I'll slip back into my rants about poor government performance, the BP oil spill, what should or should not be done. But just like the locals would do at Mardi Gras, this weekend I am choosing to CELEBRATE New Orleans.

And, happiest news of all (for me) – I'm heading back there on September 16. Fire up the band and get the crawfish ready!

Best,

Mary