By Diane Foxen, RN, San Jose
Remember when we left Earl k. Long Hospital in Baton Rouge and after seeing the devastation and deadness of the hurricane areas we felt like we were leaving somthing undone and/or behind? Well I'm glad I came back. It has done my heart good to see the NOLA coming alive.
I have been working the clinic at the Covenent House in the French Quarter. Alot of the peolpe that come in have moved back to NOLA and lost there insurance and/or care at the Charity Hospital. They need medical refills or have become ill. They have no where else to turn for medical care. The stories they tell of surviving and rebuilding are heart wrenching. One man working at the Shereton where FEMA has us at lost his brother in the flood, But every morning he has a smile on his face. He said he misses his brother but he thanks God he is alive and has a job.
Another elderly man at the clinic I hugged and cried with. His home of 50 years is ruined and he said being 86 he doesn't think he will be arond long enough to see his home or neighborhood rebuilt. I can't think of a better place I could have chosen to spend my 40th b-day. The blues and jazz clubs are well----- NOLA. The food is great. We usually eat breakafast at the FEMA compound and have tried new places for dinner each night. I visited the ninth ward today and got pictures of people cleaning up and rebuilding. That's my picture theme this trip--"The rebuilding of NOLA". I know it will take years to clean up but at least it I saw it starting.
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