August 28, 2005: A Day To Remember
My weekly short story this week is the true account of my experience in Hurricane Katrina:
August 28rd 2005 (the actual landfall was August 29th though it all seemed like one long day) was a day I will never forget as long as I live. The day before, I made the decision to stay at my Mother’s house because of the impending doom. The doom I speak of was the day Hurricane Katrina hit the Mississippi gulf coast. I have been asked many times, “Why on Earth did you stay?”
Well, we have been through many hurricanes and we made a poor choice deciding to ride the storm out that day. I remember watching the the weather reports show Katrina cross Florida into the Gulf of Mexico. I then saw world renown meteorologist Jim Cantore from The Weather Channel standing on the the beach 10 miles from my Mothers house reporting, “I have a horrible feeling in my stomach about this storm. I’ve seen many come and go, but I have never had a feeling like this before.”
hurricane katrina
I’m thinking please shut up Jim, you are not supposed to guess the weather! I thought, as many coast residents that it wouldn’t be that bad.
A few hours later I noticed the storm had been upgraded to a category 3. Category 3 is nothing for people from here, but I started getting a sick feeling in my stomach also. Gee, thanks Jim. I had most of the windows boarded up and my Mother was more nervous by the minute; I tried my best to hide my fear but felt the same. We knew we couldn’t leave at that point so all we had was each other.
Then, that point in the storm where things start to get scary had arrived. We lost power and turned on the battery powered radio. The wind started howling and rain was beating hard on the windows. We heard on the radio that the storm was staring to hit land and had been upgraded to a category 5.
I have to be honest here, this was the most afraid I have ever felt my entire life. My poor mother was a nervous wreck, pacing the floor smoking cigarettes like she was in a smoking contest. It became almost pitch black outside and the wind became so loud we could barely hear each other talking. I heard one of the windows break in the back of the house. I ran to the back to make a quick repair and my heart was pounding; I knew I had to take care of my Mom so I carried on.
Loud explosive noises kept coming from the structure of our house as the wind only grew more powerful. I was sweating, scared and we thought the house was about to be blown apart. Then the scariest thing I have ever felt occurred. The side entrance door to the car port blew open ripping the entire door frame apart.
At this point I couldn’t hear a word my mother said no matter how loud she screamed. I placed the door back in it’s position, (It was in one piece though the door frame was missing) squatted down low and simply held it closed. I knew I had to hold it in place because we, along with everything in the house would be sucked out.
I have no idea where I got the strength to hold that door in place, but I did. I know I love my mom and I saved her life, but her being there gave me equal strength which enabled me to save us both. I held the door closed for eight long, grueling hours. Finally, the wind subsided enough to allow me the golden opportunity to nail it shut. After that, I could barely walk. I hugged my mom and we both cried - we were still alive.
I checked out the house and noticed that in the den, there was a giant hole around fifteen feet across peering directly to the sky. I stood being rained on inside the house for the first time in my life. Mom and I were safe. It was a mistake to stay for this storm, and this was a lesson never to be forgotten.
It was several days before we were able to see the actual damage to the entire area. We live by an elementary school where the U.S. military delivered food, water and ice. We were very lucky to be so close to the resource. I know that many people were not.
I took a job after the storm working as a quality control safety inspector for the Army Core of Engineers to aid in storm recovery. I saw firsthand the effects of this storm. To put it mildly, there was simply nothing left. I have never seen damage like that before. Everywhere we went, we just shook our heads in disbelief. The power of Mother Nature is something I will never take for granted again. I love you Mom!
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15 Responses to “August 28, 2005: A Day To Remember”
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9 comments
Bobby, I’m so glad it’s a happy ending for u and your mom at least. Your description made me feel like I was almost in the same room with you guys!
Btw, 29 August is my birthday
another natural disaster to remember is December 26 (Tsunami). nice article
Hello Santhosh, you are right. That is another disaster to never be forgotten. Mother nature is unpredictable and sometimes unforgiving.
Hello Mariuca! I will say be glad you weren’t here because it was no fun at all.
Why so sad about your birthday?
Bobby that was a very heartwarming story. You were so brave! I’m glad that you two made it. Its written very well also. You are such a good person. You should get a medal or something. heh
I think most people would have done the same thing for their mom. At least I like to think they would.
Bobby, such vivid description. Really make me shudder thinking about you and your mom in that situation. Thank god you and your mom are safe in the end. Family is the most important things in the world. Cherish your mom always.
Hey Joezul, If either of us had been alone at the time, we might not be here today. Life is short so live for today:)
Definitely an unforgettable experience for you, and now for me. Utah has very little to worry about as far as natural disasters go compared to other places. I’m grateful to have you as a blogging friend, and definitely grateful that you’re still alive!!
Thanks W.W. I say live well and appreciate being alive:)
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Bobby, u made me sweat as i read your story. It was as if i was there to witness it. I can picture the scene at the back of my mind. Beautifully written post! Glad you’ve survived the strom with your mom!
Jean: I could’ve made it longer but I think short and descriptive worked out for this post. It was not fun. I hope we don’t get another hurricane this season. Thanks Jean, I’m glad you read it
Hi Bobby!
I finally read this true account that you had with this destructive Katrina.
I am sure going through this has made you what you are today - A tint of whackiness to take risk and walk on the unknown where most avoid. A passion for life but yet ability to see the truth behind a veil of simplicity.
Any post on how you picked yourself up after Hurricane Katrina?
WaterLearner: In the martial of Aikido I learned that when faced with danger, the unknown and fear there is only one option: step forward. Every post I write is how I am picking my self up in one way or another!