Katrina
I guess I am at a total loss for words ever since Katrina has hit Louisiana. Being from Pittsburgh I have never been through anything like this and it has totally blown my mind. I guess working in the public has really made me see just how lucky some of us are to be alive. People come into Starbucks in tears just to hear that they can get on their laptops to see if any of their family or friends have posted something on NOLA.com. I have met so many amazing people this past week and they have all truely touched my hearts. Families upon families have came and gone through our store and everyone has personally touched my heart. In particular would have to be a family that came into today. A pregnant woman came in and she ordered her drinks and took a seat at a table. Her husband walked in next pushing a baby stoller with a little boy named Mikah inside. Mikah was turning one and is very sick. His mom and dad looked totally stressed so I took it upon myself to introduce myself and play with Mikah. Never in my life have I felt such a feeling in my heart. I was so overwhelmed that I couldn't cry, laugh, or anything. I could not explain the feeling in my heart and I know that Mikah felt it too. As soon as I picked him up he took his head and placed it right on my heart. As soon as I came home I went into my room and cried.. long and hard. I cannot believe all of the crap people are having to go through right now. In a way it makes me angry at nature, but why should I be? It is a natural occurance but I wish there was more that I could do. I feel like my donations are not enough. Everytime I meet someone new from New Orleans or the surrounding parishes my heart aches even more. I have been complaining lately about all of the extra hours that I have been working and how tired it has made me, but I know in the end it is worth it. To see all of the people leaving with a smiling face and appreciate everything that we are doing for them I def. know it is worth it.
I guess this brings me to another subject that has been on my mind.. all of the crime. People are working so hard to get everyone out of New Orleans and the parishes and I understand that it can't happen soon enough, but please, leave your guns at home. If you need money, water, or food.. ask.. don't shoot people. At a time like this I am sure someone would gladly give you what you need without violence. I could not believe what I saw when I watched people stealing T.V.'s, DVD players, and jewerly. What are you going to do with TVs? You have no power. I can agree with the people taking things from the grocery stores.. medicine, food, water, diapers, but come on people.. DVD players? All of my friends are calling me from Pittsburgh freaking out about me staying in and being safe. I would much rather have them calling me and saying they are donating money, food, or clothes to the parishes then asking if I am okay or if my home is secure. I guess this is how our world is though. Sick as it is we must always be on guard from the violence and crime.
Thankfully Katrina did not do any damage to my house, but the hurricane really made me take a look at my life and made me realize just how lucky we are to be here. Never again will I complain when my mom turns the air to an extreme temperature, or when my dad fusses at me for leaving a light on in my room. My family is blessed to have air conditioning and to have a light that we can turn off or on. All I can do now is hope and pray that everything is going smoothly out there and keep donating what I can to the victims.
Sorry I went on this rant, but I had to get it out. I hope all of you guys are okay and on a side note Starbucks is taking donations for the relief fund. When you come in mention that you would like to make a donation and we can punch it into the computer and it will be sent to the Red Cross. Everyone in Louisiana needs us now more than ever. We all need to stop, take a look around, and realize just how good we have it now compared to others. Open up your hearts people.
I guess this brings me to another subject that has been on my mind.. all of the crime. People are working so hard to get everyone out of New Orleans and the parishes and I understand that it can't happen soon enough, but please, leave your guns at home. If you need money, water, or food.. ask.. don't shoot people. At a time like this I am sure someone would gladly give you what you need without violence. I could not believe what I saw when I watched people stealing T.V.'s, DVD players, and jewerly. What are you going to do with TVs? You have no power. I can agree with the people taking things from the grocery stores.. medicine, food, water, diapers, but come on people.. DVD players? All of my friends are calling me from Pittsburgh freaking out about me staying in and being safe. I would much rather have them calling me and saying they are donating money, food, or clothes to the parishes then asking if I am okay or if my home is secure. I guess this is how our world is though. Sick as it is we must always be on guard from the violence and crime.
Thankfully Katrina did not do any damage to my house, but the hurricane really made me take a look at my life and made me realize just how lucky we are to be here. Never again will I complain when my mom turns the air to an extreme temperature, or when my dad fusses at me for leaving a light on in my room. My family is blessed to have air conditioning and to have a light that we can turn off or on. All I can do now is hope and pray that everything is going smoothly out there and keep donating what I can to the victims.
Sorry I went on this rant, but I had to get it out. I hope all of you guys are okay and on a side note Starbucks is taking donations for the relief fund. When you come in mention that you would like to make a donation and we can punch it into the computer and it will be sent to the Red Cross. Everyone in Louisiana needs us now more than ever. We all need to stop, take a look around, and realize just how good we have it now compared to others. Open up your hearts people.