I've been thinking about when the water recedes, the rescues are over and the news media goes away. What most people don't see is how long and how much work it is to get things back to some sense of normal. In 2011, my dear friend Lydia, had her home destroyed by hurricane Irene in our small town of New Bern, NC. Her house was flooded in September and it took until the end of March to get it fixed. Six full months on one house that had flood damage. People don't realize that dealing with contractors, FEMA, insurance agencies and the nasty scam artists who turn up are also part of this, not to mention the places of employment that have been destroyed.
I write this post thinking about the Quilt Festival that is coming in just 8 short weeks. It's something I've been looking so forward to, not only because of my dream being realized as an instructor there, but also because of the wonderful friends I will finally get to meet in person, as well as, my dear friend, Sallieann who is coming from England.
The festival is held in the same convention center that is now housing thousands of displaced, homeless, people. The hotels, restaurants and businesses downtown are flooded. It is one giant mess. As of today, the festival people are saying that the show will still go on. For the life of me, I can't wrap my head around how it will. Again, just knowing how long it took for Lydia's house to get fixed with not nearly the amount of water that is in Houston.
Plus, the festival brings in 55,000 to 65,000 people. I know the city can really use the money, but with all the people who are currently homeless, not to mention all the volunteers and emergency management people, etc. where are they going to put everyone, let alone feed everyone?
Now I don't mean to sound like "Debbie Downer" or "Negative Nellie," but I guess knowing first hand how long and awful the recovery can be, my heart is with the people who are suffering. I would rather have the festival cancelled so people can have a chance to grieve and start rebuilding their lives. I would much rather go to the Houston Quilt Festival next year in celebration instead going this year in the mist of sorrow.
We'll see what happens in the next few weeks.
Hugs,
Michelle
13 comments:
It sure does take a long time to recover. I had friends suffer in the floods of 2011 & it took so long to get things sorted so they could live in their house again. I agree that under the circumstances the Houston festival should be cancelled. I highly doubt that Houston will be ready in 8 weeks to accommodate so many people who come for the festival. Hugs, xx
Where I live almost everyone I know has friends or family or acquaintances there. Fortunately ours are OK but badly inconvenienced. It is hard for me to image what those with impacts go through or carry on.
I don't know how they plan to pull of Houston Festival - it will be a long time before anything is back to normal and everyone is stressed to the max now. It just seems more respectful to cancel the event so people can be properly attended to.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Texas.Best wishes from Vancouver Island Bc Canada
It doesn't seem possible???
Its very sad for so many people..... its hard to imagine just what happens in flooding.... so much mud
Hugz
You have voiced this so eloquently, dear friend.x
My dear friend,
Is there another city where this can be held? I can't even imagine as you stated, that Houston will be ready for this, let alone people having the means to participate! I so hope the show will go on, but would the committee consider another site in upper Texas or in another state?
I read that the folks being sheltered are actually in a different and smaller center. And that the festival area did not experience flooding. That came in an email from the festival folks themselves. There office was flooded but not the convention center or hotels in that immediate area. That makes it sound more possible.
It was 6 months between Katrina and Mardi Gras, and New Orleans barely pulled that off. 8 weeks is ridiculous.
Thank you for your post...lots of virtual hugs going to those in need!
What tragedy - pray they will have strength to get beyond the challenges they are facing.
Heard from the "higher up" of the Houston Quilt Show as they posted on the Quilt Show I get as an email that the show will go on as they have the confidence that all will be cleaned up. No damages to their studio, the convention center or the Houston Hotels. All should be good. Love from me Judy C
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