Sent to me by a Biloxi resident

A Hero of Katrina tribute to every woman

There have been many lists of heroes generated by the assault and aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, but I feel it's important that this list be added:

To every woman whose last thought was of her children, first hoping they would survive and then hoping that they wouldn't grieve 'overmuch' as she went under water for the last time.

To every woman who lied the universal lie (I'm fine) when asked if she was alright.

To every woman who cried when a cup or saucer from her grandmothers china was found beneath a ton of debris.

To every mother who stood in long lines in the hot sun with her small children for aid-be it food, water, ice or funds

To every woman who learned how to use a chain saw, start an old contrary generator, who pushed a car three blocks in a gas line, and who learned to make a picnic feast out of MRE's

To every woman in who turned off CNN and went to her window bu never saw the snow-capped mountains in the distance for the tears she shed for us.

To every woman who replaced her Dillards credit card with an EBT card and foraged through tons of clothing in the hot sun, for her childrens sizes and whose heart secretly bled for the teen aged daughter who may not have a junior or senior prom that would require the perfect dress or shoes.

To every woman who secretly fell in love with every man in uniform-from the National Guard to the policeman-who came, not to enforce martial law, but to rescue and assist, just like real knights in shining armor.

To every woman who came down here because she knew in her heart that another woman needed her to come to this place and bathe her child, cook a meal, scrub her walls or hold her while she cries the tears she hides.

To all of you and any I missd, God will bless you.

Carol Cashes

Woolmarket

You have already endured a lifetime's worth of heartache, fear and loss. While no one would wish this on a child for any reason, the fact remains that it has happened and this is what you are because of it:

You are future husbands and wives who understand completely just what the "worse" can be in "for better or worse." You will be resourceful, practical, and more importantly, brave. Without doubt, you will be worth your weight in gold to anyone who is fortunate enough to marry you.

You are future mothers and fathers who will never forget the kindnesses and generosity from others during this time, and you will teach your children by your story and by example that it is truly more blessed to give than to receive.

You are our future leaders and you have an intimate understanding of what your constituents really need and when and how they need it. You will bring to our government truth and compassion - two elements that are sorely missing in these days.

Your are the future architects of our cities, and will conceive and deliver the new technologies that will save our coastal homes and lives, and yet preserve our particular brand of Southern charm and flavor.

You will, no doubt, bore your grandchildren when you tell the tale of Katrina for the gazillionth time at holidays, but they will not forget and will someday tell their grandchildren.

You have made new friends from all over this great country. Do not lose touch or contact as these friendships should grow and strengthen. This country and all of its peoples and their hardships will be blessed for the friendships forged in these days.

You have shown this country's youth how to ask and accept help with grace and dignity, and have been bright and shining examples of strength and faith.

You stand on the edge of a new time, a new era for the coastal towns and cities of all the . Remember everything, all of it has value even if you don't see it today.

To those of you not quite old enough to understand that your life will never be what it was before, please believe that in many ways it will be better, even if it doesn't feel that way today. When you see empty lots and piles of debris and you can't remember what used to be there, don't worry. There are photos and memories of your neighborhood before this awful storm and nothing will be wholly forgotten.

To you little ones who are scared to be alone or to go to sleep, sssshhhh, you're safe, now, and your world will right itself soon enough, different and missing some of the things you loved, but bringing new things - wonderful things - and new friends that you will cherish all your life.

God bless you, child, for you are His.

To the men beside the women of Katrina

For every man who is still shaken by his inability to keep his family and home safe, never mind the size or scope of the assault.

For every man who cried unashamed at the total destruction to his home, his neighborhood, and his community.

For every man whose heart cracked as he watched his wife break her last manicured nail when she sifter or tried to remove the impossible amount of debris in her world; and, in the next instant, never loved her more as it swelled with pride when she mastered that old and cranky generator or wielded the chainsaw like a seasoned lumberjack.

For every man who hopes he never hears his wife cry as she did those first days and weeks, but, also grateful to hear it as he grieves with he neighbor who lost his wife and will never hear her cry again.

For every man who is deeply ashamed to be dependent on his adult children for the basics of life, food and shelter, never mind their willingness or desire to help, because that's just not the natural order of things.

For every man who prays fervently to God every night to provide the strength for just one more day; the "big picture" now being a luxury of the past.

For every man who is humbled by the number of people who want only to help and will always wonder if he would have been as quick to leave his home for weeks or months because another man-a fellow American-was in trouble; but knowing now, without doubt, that he will when the time comes.

For every man whose faith in God was tested and found, but whose faith in his government is now irreparably shaken; taking away his underlying, almost unconscious sense of safety and security in this country in ways that 9/11 never did.

For every man still here-not giving up-because his wife, his children, his family, and his fellow Americans are with him every step, every day.

God will bless you too, as he does all who learn and grow from life's trials and tribulations and who are stronger and better men for it.

Carol Cashes

Woolmarket