Gail Langer Karwoski - When Hurricane Katrina Hit Home

Published by The History Press

Charleston, SC 29403

www.historypress.net

Copyright 2013 by Gail Langer Karwoski

All rights reserved

Illustrations by Julia Marshall

First published 2013

e-book edition 2013

Manufactured in the United States

ISBN 978.1.62584.536.8

Library of Congress CIP data applied for.

print edition ISBN 978.1.62619.083.2

Notice: The information in this book is true and complete to the best of our knowledge. It is offered without guarantee on the part of the author or The History Press. The author and The History Press disclaim all liability in connection with the use of this book.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form whatsoever without prior written permission from the publisher except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses and incidents are either a product of the authors imagination or are used fictitiously.

For my brave and beautiful granddaughter,

Clementine Nicole Anderson

CONTENTS

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Thanks to so many people, young and old, for welcoming me into your community and telling me about the things that happened to you during and after Hurricane Katrina. I wrote this book so we could learn how to help the victims of a disaster by understanding your suffering and loss. The rebuilding of New Orleans inspires all of us.

My thanks also to my wonderful writer-friends who made lots of helpful suggestions as I developed this story: Andy Gassaway, Nancy Bo Flood, Muriel Pritchett, Emma Stephens, Elizabeth Laing Thompson, Susan Vizurraga, Robyn Hood Black, Elizabeth Dulemba, Mary Ann Rodman, Lola Schaefer, Kim Siegelson, Vicky Alvear Shecter and Marilyn Gootman. Special thanks to my husband, Chester Karwoski, for his patience and encouragement, and to Joyce Henson for helping me with New Orleans interviews. And thanks to the editors at The History Press, Christen Thompson and Jaime Muehl, for checking and rechecking my words. Finally, thanks to my terrific agent, Courtney Miller-Callihan with Sanford J. Greenburger Associates, for her guidance and support.

Book I

CHAZZS STORM

Chapter 1

NEW ORLEANS, AUGUST 2005

Hurricane Katrina was heading our waythats what the newscasters said. But when I opened my eyes, sun was peeking through the spaces around my window shades. Our dog, Niki, gave my nose one last lick and jumped off my bed. She ran to the doorway, her skinny tail wagging.

I padded downstairs. In the kitchen, my grandmom Adele flashed her sunny morning smile at me. Gmorning, Chazz. I need to go get a few things before the storm blows in. Maries on her way over. Its pretty out, so I thought wed drive down to the square for beignets. May be your last chance. Want to come?

Adele loves to go to the Caf du Monde in Jackson Square for breakfast. Every summer, for as long as I can remember, shes taken me there at least once a week. The place is a tourist magnetat the top of the list of places to see in New Orleansbut the long lines dont bother Adele. I think she likes the people watching as much as the beignets.

I said okay. Then my mom called.

Leahmy momis in Atlanta. Thats where shes studying to be a nurse. For months, shes been promising that I can go live with her. She was supposed to drive to New Orleans this weekend to pick me up, but as soon as I heard her voice on the phone, I knew shed changed her mind. Again.

Sorry, Kiddo. Im just not ready for you to come live here, she announced. Not now.

I should have known this was coming. Why did I get my hopes up? Leah blows round and round, like hurricane winds. Shes always been like that. The only thing you can depend on with my mom is that when she makes a promise, she wont keep it.

Niki hopped in the backseat of the car with me and licked my chin. I pushed her away, but she propped her paws on my arm and poked her tongue in my ear. What she lacks in size, our mini dachshund makes up for in persistence. Her tongue tickled, which is why I was giggling when Marie frowned at me through the car window.

I knew she expected me to get out and help with Adeles wheelchair. But I didnt. Marie is as strong as me. Probably stronger. And this is what she got paid for, right? Shes been helping my grandmother in and out of her wheelchair ever since Adele broke her ankle in April.

Maries family has worked for us, off and on, for as long as I can remember. She took care of me when I was little. And back when Maries husband was alive, he ran a remodeling business. We called him whenever we needed an electrician, a plumber or whatever. My grandpa Charles said the man was a natural-born genius at fixing anything. Im four inches taller than Marie is now, but I know shes strong. When Grandpa Charles was so sick after his stroke, Marie could lift him in and out of his bed all by herself.

Marie kept frowning. I knew she was thinking that I was acting like a twelve-year-old highnesssitting on my rear end while two old ladies struggled with a wheelchair.

I got out of the car. Adeles face lit up.

I made a point of not smiling back. That was by way of announcing that, no, I wasnt happy. I didnt want to stay in New Orleans; I wanted to go live with my mom, like she promised. Its my life, right? I should have the right to decide where I live.

I put my hand under Adeles bony arm, and she stood up. As soon as her bad foot touched the ground, she winced.

You sure you want to go? I said. I could ride to the square with Marie and bring some home.

Adele wrinkled her nose. No, thank you. I like my beignets hot and fresh. She kissed my cheek.

I helped her hobble into the front seat. She tossed her long, filmy scarf over her shoulder and buckled herself in. I collapsed the wheelchair and slid it into the trunk. Marie got into the drivers seat.

Its probably just as hot in Atlanta, you know, Adele said as she aimed the cars blower at me in the backseat. And your moms apartment is on the third floor. She says its an old building. Who knows if it stays comfortable, Chazz? Besides, what would you do all day? Leahs at the hospital for twelve-hour shifts. You dont know anybody there.

Id meet people. Im not a total loser.

Of course not, thats not what I mean, Adele said. But New Orleans is your home. And youve already started practicing for your bar mitzvah, here.

Home is supposed to be where your parents live, not where your mom dumps you, I muttered. I bet a gator cares more about her kid than Leah does. Its like Im an orphan or something.

Marie shot me a sharp look. Mind your mouth, Chazz. Plenty of kids would give their right arm for a home like you got here with your grandma. She steered the car onto the street. You know, if you concentrate on hopeful, you be seeing pretty yellow flowers. Same place where other folks be looking at weeds.

I didnt say anything as the car turned onto St. Charles Avenue. But I knew it wasnt my grandmoms fault that Leah changed her mind. Adele would do anything for me. Ive lived with her ever since I was a baby.

I opened the window. I didnt mean I said. Its just that Leah makes me so mad is all.

Adele nodded and fiddled with the silky fringe on her scarf. Leah can be hard to deal with. I understand youre upset, Chazz.