Getting Involved

Ever since the tragedy in New Orleans was making itself known, my wife, Danelle, and I, were concerned about friends and family we knew in New Orleans as well as Louisiana and Mississippi that were likely affected by the storm. We also wanted to get involved in some way, make a donation, volunteer - just do something - to lend a hand. We got our opportunity last Friday night.

My mother and father-in-law had gotten word that two of Danelle's cousins, Danielle and Michelle Latia and Michelle's son Blair were on buses out of New Orleans to Houston. At some point along the way their bus was re-routed, due to spreading word that the Houston Astrodome had reached its capacity. They had landed in Leesville, Louisiana and were staying at a Red Cross shelter at the local First Baptist Church. My inlaws live in San Antonio and were distraught at the thought of what might have happened to their kin and contacted Danelle and I about making the trip to get them. So, we set out from Conroe and drove through some beautiful East Texas scenery to Louisiana.

The trip was about 2 hours one-way. When we arrived at the shelter, we were met by friendly volunteers, plenty of food, water and other refreshments. There were a few refugees besides the cousins. We were told a couple of busloads were still on their way. We asked if there was anything we could do to assist the volunteers, but they in turn asked us if we needed assistance. It was nice to find out that the cousins had landed in such a good place.

We loaded up the Knoxmobile and headed back to Houston to Grandma Lillie's house. On the way, we heard of the conditions that the cousins had faced on their journey west. We're thankful for the opportunity to have helped out. Most of the time we think lending a hand or providing assistance is a really big thing. Gotta give lots of money or make some heroic effort to do something for someone else. We didn't get to do very much. All I did was drive and my wife kept me awake. After having the weekend to sleep off the trip, it feels good to have gotten to take part in helping folks in need. I wouldn't mind doing it again.