John Stocks: A reunion in Jacksonwith Hurricane Katrina survivors

Today's report from John Stocks, who left Wisconsin Wednesday with a vehicle and trailer loaded with supplies for friends and family who survived Katrina:

My choice of CD's for the road trip was last minute, random and unintentional. Although the messages were profound.

South out of Wisconsin with Bruce's patriotic theme song 'Born in the USA.' A missionary hymnal of sorts for the tasks ahead. Through Memphis listening to Paul Simon's 'Graceland' and on to Jackson with Aretha Franklin singing 'The Weight' and Neil Young's 'Helpless'. Preparation for what was to come.

The US Interstate infrastructure is in serious need of repair particularly in southern Illinois and Missouri. Another indication of the nation's misplaced priorities.

Many displaced people on the road, at the truck stops, in the rest areas, on the highways. Some leaving, some returning, all shocked and dazed. Lots of children with parents and relatives. Some are people of means and others had little and have nothing to go back to and nowhere to go. Race and class matter little to them. The shared experience of the tragedy erases those barriers. Ironically this tragedy has forged a common bond amongst strangers.

THE JACKSON REUNION

I called ahead after numerous attempts to get through. I told them to gather up for dinner. Lois said ' a hot meal....really' I said 'of course, a night on the town'. The Ewell families waited in the motel lobby. I caught Lois' eye when we walked in and we ran to one another and cried. Tears of joy and sadness.

We all piled into two cars with two local heroes and took off for a hot southern meal. I sat with the children. The adults needed a well deserved break. Our local heroes entertained.

The children and I ate roasted peanuts and threw the shells on the floor. We colored the children's menu with our crayons, we completed the word search puzzles, spelled our names and teased each other. They tried to braid my hair but found it too short and too straight. They ate whatever they wanted and I insisted on everyone having dessert. It was a glorious time.

The adults visited with our two local heroes, had cocktails and good food.

Back at the motel we opened up the gifts I brought down from my sister in law and other packages that had arrived from angels of mercy throughout the country. More tears, more sadness, more joy.

Vichaun, the four year old little boy looked up at his grandmother and asked, "Grandma, is it Christmas?" Lois' eyes welled up with tears. She was speechless.

For a few hours, we distracted them from their troubles, let them know they were not going to be forgotten and gave them tremendous hope that things are going to work out on the road ahead. Thanks to all of you who have and are making this happen.

ALL THE FAMILY MEMBERS HAVE BEEN LOCATED

Sterling's family is safe. Wanda (Henrietta's daughter) was rescued from the roof of her flooded home by helicopter and sent to Houston. Percy and his wife are in Hattiesburg; they have gotten an apartment, Debbie Ann and Henrietta are in Atlanta and have been sponsored by a family. They are moving into a house. This close knit family has been split apart across a vast geography. Thank the Great Spirit they are safe.

BIG DECISIONS

Stacy got on a national conference call with her employer, Pan American Life Insurance. Her division is relocating to Dallas. Lois and Eloise don't want to split up the families so they may all go with Stacy. Lois is one year and 5 months from retirement in Louisiana. The weight of the decision to leave Louisiana is enormous. Eloise will go to Dallas to be with her daughter and grandchildren but is worried about whether her retiree HMO will pay for health care in Dallas. Stacy has put in 8 years at Pan American and does not want to start over. These are big decisions for all of them.

ON TO SLIDELL AND BACK TO JACKSON

I leave today with the trailer to Slidell to help my brother and his family with fixing their house. I will try to report tomorrow from there. No guarantees. I expect my energies will be consumed.

My deepest appreciation to you all for your support, prayers and assistance.

Johno

Earlier post and info.