An Undercurrent of Dis-ease
The latest installment from Pam Peterson, a social worker volunteering in Huston in support of the victims of Hurricane Katrina.
Friday September 16, 2005
Last night around 5:00, Bobbi got a call that her 92 year old father was “acting strangely.” He lives about 10 minutes from here. She rushed out and called about 2 hours later from the hospital. Her dad was on his way for a CAT scan, but it appeared he had a stroke. I had offered to take Bobbi and Vic out to dinner tonight. I told Bobbi I would make myself some dinner here, and take care of Cassie. Vic called 2 minutes later to say he was coming home, and he and I could get something to eat. I tried to encourage him to go to be with Bobbi, but he insisted we eat. Said he could not get her on cell as she’s not allowed to use it in the hospital. We headed to a Texas BBQ place.
Once back here, Vic tried again to reach her, and decided to go on to the hospital. Shortly after he left Bobbi called to confirm it was a stroke and her dad was in intensive care. I told her Vic was on the way… she sounded relieved. I vaguely heard them come in around midnight.
Again that feeling that life goes on, that there are everyday events that are reminders that so much happens in and around us that it’s often hard to keep up.
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I talked my way past the officer at the front gate. Once inside the gate, it was clear that things were very different. Lots of fencing was gone, and other roadways were restricted. All the tents were gone, as were the basketball nets. I made my way to the arena, and once inside was able to get a “volunteer” wrist band. That, combined with my hospital badge, again gave me as much freedom to move about as I needed. On my way to the arena I had decided that I wasn’t going to stay long, just long enough to find people and say goodbye.
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I found Raydell immediately. Jean was off checking about housing. He was about to try to get some sleep. Down the row from him was Keisha, Gloria and Tyrone, but they were no where around. And Just beyond them I saw Lynn. She’s still not sure what she’s doing, but was thankful to have what she does.
I couldn’t find Naomi and Tamara, and Gilda had gone to the post office. Lethia was preparing to go to the post office, and I just caught her. She again talked about the children and how they are the future.
As I was walking through the area where people were eating, I saw Keisha. Tyrone came running up to me and threw his arms around my leg, big smile on his face. He said he had “lost his balloon.” When I had seen them earlier in the week, I had made a “balloon” for him out of the plastic gloves we were wearing. Today, he asked for another, as did the other two children sitting at the table. I got some gloves and made them all balloons. I said my goodbyes to Tyrone, his mom and grandmom, deciding this was the best time to leave.
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There was an undercurrent of dis-ease today. Tempers are getting short, people are bored and they’re tired of waiting. It was the first day I felt tension in the building. It has amazed me how well contained so many peole have managed to be. There have been reports of drug selling and violence, but for the most part, these people have remained good spirited. I hope that doesn’t change….
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