Reflection
Well, this is it. It has been a year since all of our lives have been turned upside down and we all learned the true meaning of what it is to miss New Orleans. I, luckily, don’t miss it anymore because I’m back home, and I’ve trained myself to look at potential rather than loss. I’m not sure if it’s denial or optimism, but I can look at flooded out houses at this point and think, “Isn’t that cute, I would fix this and that, get a porch lantern and put up the cutest white picket fence.” I think it’s certainly better than driving around in touch with the fact that a lot of the city still looks like Hiroshima.
There are certain things the storm has taught me: Show Up; Pay Attention to lessons that have heart and meaning; Speak the truth without blame or judgement; Be open to outcome but not attached to outcome; family and friends are the only things that matter in the end; looking to the future is endlessly more hopeful than lamenting the past; my husband and I can make it through anything; don’t take one moment for granted-you don’t know when life can turn on a dime; and I love New Orleans more than I ever realized.
I’ve got both jobs to go to today, but against better judgement I’m planning on going to see Rebirth Brass Band at the Maple Leaf tonight. I’m not going to feel good at work tomorrow, but that’s o.k. I’m young. Besides, I can’t think of a better way to reflect on the past and look to the future than dancing the night away while Rebirth blasts out jazz that you can feel through your whole body. It’s really, really good to be home.
I miss you
Comment by Lexie — September 15, 2006 @ 10:52 pm
I miss you!
Comment by Lexie — September 15, 2006 @ 10:53 pm
Hey Audra, glad to here everything is going good. Miss talking with you. Thank you so much for the reference!!! I ended up with a great job offer. I left you a voice mail at NAMI with my #, if you get a chance give me a call.
Amber
Comment by Amber Nagel — September 30, 2006 @ 1:29 am