Saturday evening, I attended Destination America’s Red White and You Fourth of July event in Waveland.
As many of you may know, the “Bay,” how I lovingly refer to Bay St. Louis and Waveland, is my hometown.
You may also know that almost 10 years ago, my home was almost wiped off the map by Hurricane Katrina.
Recovery efforts have been slow, but steady.
However, the home I grew up in will never look the same again.
Sadly, my nephew nor future children will ever get to see the house or town I grew up in.
Although it’s important for cities to have roads and buildings, what really matters are the people who build their lives and businesses there.
For the first time in ten years, the people of Waveland, and from other areas throughout the state, came to celebrate not only this great nation, but also the strength and stamina of all the survivors of Hurricane Katrina.
As I stood on that beach among my fellow celebrants, tears came to my eyes as I remembered the heartache that washed ashore on that same beach ten years ago.
When the fireworks burst in the air, I smiled, counted my blessings and looked around at the people gathered.
Their stories are similar to mine and that will always bind us.
Rebuilding structures and cities is not an easy task, but it can be done with time and money.
However, rebuilding a person’s spirit takes more than grant money.
It involves support from family members, friends and community members who are ready and willing to lend a helping hand.
As Saturday evening came to a close, I silently thanked Destination America for bringing this event to my hometown.
But more importantly, I thanked God for all the survivors of Hurricane Katrina and their abilities to thrive, comfort and guide their fellow man.