Hopefully, I will not sound like that starlet who said to an ear-weary Groucho Marx : "Enough about me. What do you think of me?"
Hurricane Katrina and Rita swept through New Orleans and Lake Charles. Neither city has fully recovered. And those of us who survived are changed forever by it.
I remember that day. Hurricane Rita was a category 5 hurricane. I spent the morning running rare blood to scrambling hospitals.
I drove back home to wolf down a hurried lunch. A mandatory evacuation was issued over the radio. I went downstairs.
Someone had siphoned the gas from my car. All the gas stations were shut down. I was stranded in the path of a killer hurricane.
Alone.
Or not so alone.
Freddie, my supervisor, called checking in on me. He offered me a ride in his car as he drove beside his wife's car containing his two children.
So with the clothes on my back, my laptop on my lap, and Gypsy in a carrier, I rode with my friend into the darkness.
The highways were shut down. We drove the back roads, the cypress trees bending down over us in the blackness as if listening to our whispered voices. Freddie's eyes were hollow.
As we passed his wife's car, I saw she was frantic, on the verge of panic.
I winked at the pale faces of Freddie's two children, Allison and Abigail, pulled Gypsy, my cat, out of the carrier, and picked up her front paw as if she were waving at the two girls.
They giggled. And the grip of panic on their mother seemed to break.
She waved back and gave a valiant smile with a thumb's up salute.
Freddie studied me for a moment and said, "Dude, you're like Job."
"How so?"
"I mean you got your gas siphoned out of your car just when you needed it most."
"I bet a lot of people did."
"Yeah, but if Rita hits Lake Charles, this will be the second time you'll have lost everything.
You lost it all when your home burned. And before that you closed your business. Your mother died before that. And before that your fiancee died. And your childhood best friend died before Kathleen. Damn, it's like you're Job."
I nodded, smiling sadly, "As I recall Job ended up pretty well."
"You've got a strange way at looking at life, dude."
"You're not the first to say that."
We made it to Baton Rouge where I worked delivering rare blood to all the hospitals reeling under the impact of Katrina.
I drove to the hospital of Metairie, the first suburb of New Orleans. (It is a French term for a tenant farm.)
I saw people who had only thought they knew what having nothing meant. I smelled the stench of decaying human flesh on the breath of a too silent city.
I saw young boys in uniform trying to be men under impossible conditions.
Late at night I typed the first draft of FRENCH QUARTER NOCTURNE, alone in the spacious suite afforded me by the blood center for which I worked.
It had been leased for the board of directors to oversee the new center in Baton Rouge.
So for two months I slept in a prince's suite. Gypsy was, for once, satisfied with her accommodations, she being a princess and all.
I barely saw the suite. I was always driving it seemed --
down long, unfamiliar roads to strange hospitals protected by hollow-eyed young boys with automatic weapons and dry mouths.
On my days off, I would volunteer to drive vans for the Salvation Army, Red Cross, church groups, or out-of-state relatives frantic to find lost loved ones. There are stories in that time that haunt me still, but they belong to shattered, valiant hearts.
Finally, the blood couriers were allowed back to our devastated city.
It was like something from a post-apocalyptic movie. But these ruined streets and gutted homes I knew. Our city has never truly recovered. But my friends are a hardy bunch.
Me? I just fake it.
I've only mentioned one snippet of my life, and look how much I have written. Sigh. Like Freddie says, I tend to talk a lot.
Thank you Roland for sharing your story and part of your life with us. I can not begin to imagine living under those circumstances. I find it interessting that you took with you nothing but your cat and laptop, you must have been one stinky but very brave man :)
Siv: And cash. I took cash. We in hurricane country learn to keep a small amount set aside to take with us in an emergency evacuation. Besides, there was no room in Freddie's car for more!
I bought soap and clothes in Baton Rouge. I smelled very nice, thank you! :-)
So did Gypsy. I bought a litter box and filler, too! She insisted! LOL. Oh, and books. I bought books at the B&N near the hotel!! You have to have the essentials in exile!
Sally: I only worked with unsung heroes. They inspired me to be all that was needed by those around me in such terrible need. All of us have a hero inside if we but pay attention to the hurt around us. The courage and love and bravery did influence how I write though. You are very perceptive. Thanks for visiting!
L. Diane: It was odd. I stood outside myself through much of the time. A kind of shock I believe. You find yourself dealing with the crisis at hand. I kept repeating: "My times are in Your hand, Father."
Shelly: You are wise. All that we can control is ourselves and our responses. Everything can be taken from us but the ability to choose how we will respond to life. Thanks for following ... and the hugs & chocolate. :-)
Alex: Yes, Job ended well, didn't he? His material goods were doubled at the end. His children were only given back in the same number he had. Why? His other children were waiting for him on the other side. So in a sense, the number of his children were doubled! Thanks for your constant friendship!
Jennifer: Everyone has suffered more losses than it appears when you look at them. That's why I try to be kind to all those around me.
Yes, cats do make things better. And they are more self-sufficient than dogs ... though I do miss not having one. I have to settle for a giant stuffed Scooby-Doo waiting for me at the front door to my apartment. He certainly eats less than a live dog!! LOL. Thanks for visiting and writing. Roland
Touching share Roland. I've always known you were a special kind of person. Thank you for sharing, you told it beautifully and I hope life is better for you.
You astound and inspire me. Here are not words enough to express my gratitude for you sharing this small snippet of your life. Between you and the two boys I posted about on Saturday, I have certainly had a wealth of positivity that I needed. I just got some pretty devastating news health wise and reading this has made me feel some of the strength I need. Thank you.
Melissa: The human body has repair mechanisms that are truly a wonder. The human spirit possesses an ability to surprise the most jaded of doctors time and time again. I will be praying for you.
Michael: Your own tale was evocative, and I hope prophetic for great things ahead for you. I was beginning to miss your visits! :-)
Summer: Life holds beauty each moment for me. It is so fragile and short that I try to appreciate it while it is yet still mine. Your entry was beautiful and perceptive. Thanks for visiting! Roland
That's an amazing story full of inspiration. It's amazing what we can manage to do when we have to - and you with only your laptop and your cat. When you mention delivering rare blood - is it your blood?
Dreamer. Writer. Believer in the worth of each soul I meet.
It is not so bad a thing to have been born with the gift of laughter and the knowledge that the world is mad.
Book 4: Victor Standish risks all reality to bring back from the dead those he loves.
WOLF HOWL HAS HIS OWN BLOG!
VISIT IF YOU DARE
THE LAST SHAMAN AUDIO BOOK!
Mankind's time is nearly up. Can the last Lakota shaman save the soul of the assassin he loves before the end?
McCorkle Creations!
Let Heather McCorkle design covers and promo materials for you. You will be amazed.
ONLY $4.86!
Sometimes it is death, not life, that brings us love
A GHOSTLY WRITING MANUAL
Twain, Hemingway, Lovecraft & More!
An Age Is Ending & Ancient Evil Returning
Like PENNY DREADFUL? This is for you.
A SUPERNATURAL LONGMIRE
In Egypt, the dead never rest easy
NO ONE HEARS THE SCREAMS IN SILENT FILMS
An isolated Hollywood film crew is hunted by Nightmare
A SAMPLER OF MY HEROES
Mysteries Explained, Secrets Exposed
The Origin of Toomey Starks!
Hellhounds were never this much fun! Only $4!
VOODOO & LOVE IN THE FRENCH QUARTER
Now available in PRINT!
FRENCH QUARTER NOCTURNE AUDIO BOOK!
The supernatural predators come out after Katrina. Can two undead legends stop them?
AFTER KATRINA, THERE IS NONE BUT TWO TO STOP THE UNDEAD
ONLY $1.99 WHEN YOU BUY THE KINDLE BOOK!
LISTEN to GHOST OF A CHANCE
Can an author be drawn into his own fictional world and killed by his own characters?
HIBBS HAS FOUND HIS VOICE!
A tale of enchantment
Souls At The Crossroads
Where do you need to be?
THE DEADLIEST ENEMY IS WITHIN
What if Stephen King wrote of the life of a blood courier?
Listen to this haunting tale of horror and love
It is 1853. An undead Texas Ranger is on board a cursed ship in search of a murderer who is wearing the face of her last victim as a mask.
Listen to the LAST FAE
When the world is mad, there is little else to do but show them what true insanity is!
Can a man marry both the moon and the sun?
In the eclipse of myth, he can
What Defense is an innocent soul against the Powers of Darkness?
Let Hibbs, the cub with no clue, show you
Before Indiana Jones or Allan Quartermain
There was Sam McCord and his doomed love for Meilori Shinseen
Alice and Victor in 1834 New Orleans
Do a review and have a 1 in 13 chance to win a Johnny Depp autograph!
Buy_FRENCH QUARTER NOCTURNE
Hurricane Katrina has cast New Orleans into darkness. Predators, living and undead, close in on the helpless survivors. Can Samuel McCord and a vampire priest keep the French Quarter from being drowned in blood?
Buy_LET THE WIND BLOW THROUGH YOU
Enter the dangerous world of a Native American Noir thriller where forbidden love clashes with the politics of crime
You will never see the end coming
In his beginning is his end
My 1st SERIAL TRILOGY continues
There are none so lost as those who refuse to see
The 1st SERIAL TRILOGY!
In the dark, we are all orphans
In Memoriam - Maukie my cyber friend
RITES OF PASSAGE link
The earliest Samuel McCord adventure: Dare to board a fantasy Titanic as it sails into the Bermuda Triangle
VICTOR'S HERE!
BOOK 1: No one talks openly of the misty figures seen walking along New Orleans' iron-laced terraces, casting no shadow. Of the shapes seen rising from sewer grates. And no one willingly visits the crypt of Marie Laveau at midnight. Into this strange world arrives the street orphan, Victor Standish, from Charon's Greyhound. Charon has to keep up with the times ... the End Times. And the teen destined to be called the "Ulysses of the French Quarter" has come just in time for Hurricane Katrina, the End of All Things ... and the deadly love of the Victorian ghoul, Alice Wentworth.
VICTOR AND ALICE ARE BACK!
BOOK 2: Victor's a street kid. Alice is a Victorian ghoul Their love breaks the chain of reason. Their new adventures bring the French Quarter back from the brink of nightmare.
THE RIVAL
BOOK 3: Victor & Alice are in the French Quarter of 1834. Voodoo. Demigods. Revenants. And the hilarious Menage a Trois of Death! Oh, and someone we love dies at the end.
END OF DAYS is here!
St. Marrok's. The most eerie high school in which you will ever die. Its curriculum? The End of Days. Alice Wentworth plans to get an A+.
ADRIFT IN THE TIME STREAM link
SEQUEL to RITES OF PASSAGE: Come aboard the doomed DEMETER with undead Texas Ranger, Sam McCord, and sail with her into the depths of madness in ADRIFT IN THE TIME STREAM.
Buy_CREOLE KNIGHTS
SEQUEL to FRENCH QUARTER NOCTURNE: The dead rise. Elder Beings strain to enter our world through Katrina devastated New Orleans. And the Angel of Death is kidnapped to clear their way. Can Sam McCord stem the tide of madness in time?
Buy_THE LAST FAE
Once there was an age undreamed where legends walked this earth … and nightmares, too. Terrible were the battles, tragic the outcome of the wars. Until finally there were only two survivors : the nightmare and one bruised legend. These are the legend’s stories, each one a different facet of the same priceless gem – a jewel that has come to believe herself worthless. So come. Listen to her. Listen to THE LAST FAE.
GHOST OF A CHANCE
What if what you wrote became real?
BURNT OFFERINGS
When dreams are sacrificed, it is the soul that burns.
CHECK OUT THE FUN!
Explore if you dare
Buy_THE LAST SHAMAN
Journey with the last Lakota shaman, Wolf Howl. The white govenments call him Drew August. Those who hunt him call him Death. The last day of Man has dawned. Watch as Wolf Howl turns to meet his human hunters. Shadow, the love of his life, returns to aid his hunters. Then, Mankind's death descends. Can he save Shadow before the world's time runs out?
BRING ME THE HEAD OF McCORD!
Only 99 cents. C'mon. Take a chance.
GHOST WRITERS IN THE SKY
LEARN TO WRITE BETTER AND LAUGH ALONG THE WAY
LAST EXIT TO BABYLON
At the dawn of the End of All Things, the Last Fae finds there is no hope ... but love.
IT'S HERE TO BUY!!
The trilogy concludes. Not even the eclipse of myth is forever. But love is. And eclipses return. Listen. The voice of Blake, son of Man, is calling across the night skies.
Buy THE PATH BACK TO DAWN
Only in the eclipse of myth can a young man find himself with both the Moon and the Sun as his brides. Can he survive what follows?
Buy_LOVE LIKE DEATH
From the pages of THE LAST FAE springs this paranormal romance/thriller. Fallen, the last fae, discovers the name of the young teenager to whom she lost her heart : Blake Adamson.But she also discovers what happens when you believe your fears over your love : heartache and loss. And so Blake Adamson finds himself torn between two loves : one fae, the other an alien drinker of souls. Their love is deadly, but love, like death, will have its way.
THE BEAR WITH 2 SHAD0WS link
Based on the stories my Lakota mother told me as a child when I was deathly ill in a freezing Detroit basement apartment. Think a Native American LORD OF THE RINGS.
FROM THE GREAT BEYOND HOP!
You dare not miss it!!
ZOMBIE PREPAREDNESS!
LISTEN TO THE CDC
Thanks, Alex!
THE WORLDS OF ROLAND YEOMANS
Donna Hole astonishes with her insights on my linked worlds
FANTASTIC REVIEW OF THE LEGEND OF VICTOR STANDISH
Michael Di Gesu does a masterful review. I am honored by his friendship
LIFE LESSONS taught me by GYPSY
Dedicated to GYPSY
PAPYRUS PRODUCTIONS
Have Wendy make your book into a trailer that wows the reader!
HELP THE HURTING
100% of the profits for ALL my books this FEBRUARY are going to THE SALVATION ARMY. My Valentine's gift to the hurting.
Buy_BLOOD WILL TELL
One lone telepath finds himself a helpless spectator as the race of Man is subjugated into mindless drones by the very blood within their bodies.When the war is over, and he finds himself totally alone ... How can he go on and why?
CALL ME TOMBS
The last Lakota Heyoka faces voodoo and ultimate evil in the Carpathian Mountains of Transylvania with his Hellhound, Puppy
CATCH FIRE!
BLOG TOUR FOR ALEX J, CAVANAUGH'S NEWEST NOVEL
SIV'S BLOGFEST!
The Norse Gods Are Watching You!
NERDY IS THE NEW SEXY!
BECOME A JEDI KNIGHT FOR TEENS
THE SECRET OF SPRUCE KNOLL
Help save the endangered species of Earth by buying THE SECRET OF SPRUCE KNOLL!
AMAZON KEEPS SELLING OUT!
Written by the author who could very well turn out to be the new William Faulkner, Elliot Grace
FABULOSITY GALORE bookstore
Visit an online bookstore and help a blogging friend!!
Thank you Roland for sharing your story and part of your life with us. I can not begin to imagine living under those circumstances. I find it interessting that you took with you nothing but your cat and laptop, you must have been one stinky but very brave man :)
ReplyDeleteWow, Roland, an unsung hero who did some extraordinary things and will probably do them again if called upon. I can now see why you write as you do.
ReplyDeleteIt would be very frightening to go through all of that. We've never had a hurricane here that so totally devastated our town.
ReplyDeleteIts always good to be positive and to keep a cool head in the time of crisis. You have a good grasp on knowing what you can control. Yourself.
ReplyDeleteHugs and chocolate,
Shelly
http://secondhandshoesnovel.blogspot.com/
You had a great attitude during that tragedy. And Job fared rather well.
ReplyDeleteYou have suffered so many losses, Roland. Thank you for sharing what you've endured. Cats can make everything better!
ReplyDeleteSiv:
ReplyDeleteAnd cash. I took cash. We in hurricane country learn to keep a small amount set aside to take with us in an emergency evacuation. Besides, there was no room in Freddie's car for more!
I bought soap and clothes in Baton Rouge. I smelled very nice, thank you! :-)
So did Gypsy. I bought a litter box and filler, too! She insisted! LOL. Oh, and books. I bought books at the B&N near the hotel!! You have to have the essentials in exile!
Sally:
I only worked with unsung heroes. They inspired me to be all that was needed by those around me in such terrible need. All of us have a hero inside if we but pay attention to the hurt around us. The courage and love and bravery did influence how I write though. You are very perceptive. Thanks for visiting!
L. Diane:
It was odd. I stood outside myself through much of the time. A kind of shock I believe. You find yourself dealing with the crisis at hand. I kept repeating: "My times are in Your hand, Father."
Shelly:
You are wise. All that we can control is ourselves and our responses. Everything can be taken from us but the ability to choose how we will respond to life. Thanks for following ... and the hugs & chocolate. :-)
Alex:
Yes, Job ended well, didn't he? His material goods were doubled at the end. His children were only given back in the same number he had. Why? His other children were waiting for him on the other side. So in a sense, the number of his children were doubled! Thanks for your constant friendship!
Jennifer:
ReplyDeleteEveryone has suffered more losses than it appears when you look at them. That's why I try to be kind to all those around me.
Yes, cats do make things better. And they are more self-sufficient than dogs ... though I do miss not having one. I have to settle for a giant stuffed Scooby-Doo waiting for me at the front door to my apartment. He certainly eats less than a live dog!! LOL. Thanks for visiting and writing. Roland
You've got some amazing stories, I'm sure! What I love about reading your blog is I'm always reminded to get outside myself.
ReplyDeleteI've read a lot from you over the past years, but very little is about you and I've always wondered at the man behind the curtain.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing.
Lara:
ReplyDeleteThat is very gracious and nice of you to say. It made my weary evening after 12 hours straight running the roads!
Erin:
I try to point to some help for my friends and not to myself. Thank you for caring enough to visit and talk awhile! Roland
Touching share Roland. I've always known you were a special kind of person. Thank you for sharing, you told it beautifully and I hope life is better for you.
ReplyDeleteHi, Roland,
ReplyDeleteI will never forget reading when you had posted this or something similar when I had first met you over a year ago.
It effected me the same way. Chilling. And yet, inspiring.
As always, you passion, heart, and soul shines through your writing.
You astound and inspire me. Here are not words enough to express my gratitude for you sharing this small snippet of your life. Between you and the two boys I posted about on Saturday, I have certainly had a wealth of positivity that I needed. I just got some pretty devastating news health wise and reading this has made me feel some of the strength I need. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteMelissa:
ReplyDeleteThe human body has repair mechanisms that are truly a wonder. The human spirit possesses an ability to surprise the most jaded of doctors time and time again. I will be praying for you.
Michael:
Your own tale was evocative, and I hope prophetic for great things ahead for you. I was beginning to miss your visits! :-)
Summer:
Life holds beauty each moment for me. It is so fragile and short that I try to appreciate it while it is yet still mine. Your entry was beautiful and perceptive. Thanks for visiting! Roland
That's an amazing story full of inspiration. It's amazing what we can manage to do when we have to - and you with only your laptop and your cat. When you mention delivering rare blood - is it your blood?
ReplyDelete