A missed phone call and small town devastation

As I left Jackson, MS yesterday afternoon headed about 100 miles south to go to a funeral, I decided that I would get my camera out, as I knew that I would see lots and lots of Katrina damage.

I also thought that I would log on to yahoo instant messenger, just in case I lost phone service, I would at least have some communication. I had not been logged on any time, when I hear that little tone that lets you know that you have a message. Yes it was Michael. He had tried to call my cell phone, and all he got was a busy signal. He tried calling the house, and no answer there either, but at least he left a message, and yes I have listened to it now three times. I will be so glad when they get all the cell phone towers back up after the hurricane. My cell phone should never be busy, and of all times for it to be, is when he is trying to call. I hate missing his call. Thank goodness for IM.

I was instant messenging with Michael for the first 30 minutes of my trip, and trying to snap pictures all at the same time. Finally lost service and communication with him at some point in the middle of nowhere.

As I made my way through the back roads of Mississippi, I realized that a lot of the area that I was passing through still had no power. I saw power trucks everywhere. I was speechless as I saw most of the devastation. I don't think that I have ever in my life seen such. I stopped several times along the way to take several pictures, and even had the opportunity to speak with a lady, that seemed to be in her 70's. She was kind enough to let me take pictures of what was left of her beautiful yard, and even invited me in for a glass of luke warm water, as she put it. She was going on her 22 day without power and had just had her telephone restored on Monday. I just thought that we had it bad further north, but I was wrong.

I thought that I would share a few pictures of the oh so kind lady's yard. She amazed me with her upbeat attitude and her beautiful smile that was on her face, after all she had been through. She told me that she had actually enjoyed the peice and quiet, and was able to sit back and appreciate the smaller thing in life. Thanks Mrs. Hattie for allowing me to take these pictures, and sharing a part of your life with me.