The Decision
Friday, September 30, 2005

After heart to heart talks with Soleil, we made our decision about Soleil and Eliana returning home. Soleil spoke to the dean at her school, who helped her clarify some issues and gave her an understanding shoulder to cry on. We also found out more about Soleil's old school - they lost their main building to mold. The main building houses the gym/auditorium, many classrooms, and administration. They have to move everything to their remaining buildings. As expected, there are also staff changes as some chose to relocate.

In addition, our house is not livable because of the mold. Also, the area is so vulnerable to further damage if a heavy rainstorm or, God forbid, another hurricane hits. Hurricane season doesn't officially end until November 30.

Given all this, Soleil and Eliana are staying with me in Houston. I don't think her old school is environmentally safe and the area is still unstable. Yes, more businesses are opening but there are still problems. For instance, garbage has not been picked up so there are mounds of garbage piled up. Some of it is filled with rotten meat, from people cleaning out their refrigerators. There are still areas where debris has not been cleared so getting around is hazardous. I think the parish is rushing to get residents to return at any cost and pressuring the schools to reopen even though they are not ready. Antonio agrees that the school's main building should be fixed or replaced before they reopen but they face financial ruin if they don't receive school tuitions. So, it is important for them to get students back in the classrooms. There are also people who stayed behind and kept their children out of school this entire time. Those students have to get back into school. My stepdad, who has returned home, said that although the parish has made great progress, the quality of life is different.

Soleil's new school has agreed to let her change her schedule and take on more honors courses so that she can raise her GPA. St. Agnes is working with Soleil so that her transition back to Immaculata will be a smoother one. When Soleil applies for college and is being considered for scholarships, I am certain they will consider her life experience and the fact that she is a Katrina survivor. If Soleil can maintain a straight A average throughout all this, she deserves a medal!

While my husband is in New Orleans with work, my brother, Gary, has agreed to help me with the girls when I travel. With Soleil around, he will be able to handle five small children. Eliana and his two children, Jourdan and Camrynn, attend the same elementary school. In addition, we have made some friends here who can also help.

Gary's last day on the job was today. Today, he receives his last paycheck. He has filed for disaster unemployment assistance and extended his food stamps. Gary and I wanted to find housing here but all the apartments are full so we are staying with our host family, the Claires, until we can find alternative housing.

We received word that my mom has to stay in Fort Worth until June, 2006. The Naval base where she works by New Orleans is not reopening until then, when the infrastructure of the area is more stable. My mom is, of course, upset. Clay, her husband, will remain in New Orleans to fix their house and rebuild his landscaping business. Now that people are starting to return, he is getting work, most of it as debris removal. My mom and Clay will be a two-city family for a while as well.

So I feel better now that we have made the decision. It was a difficult one but Soleil made it easier for us by telling us how she felt. In the end, I think she will be stronger and wiser after this experience. We all will.

Thank you to everyone who offered words of encouragement and advice. I appreciate it greatly.

Until next time...