“You can’t do it alone.”
A devastated home in the Ninth Ward
Today we saw the bad stuff.
After we finished our house for the day, we drove down to the Lower 9th Ward. It’s completely and utterly devastated. We drove up to where the walls had breached along the river. They’re now rebuilt and river traffic is flowing. But on land, there’s literally nothing for blocks but the skeletons of some trees and foundations wiped clean of the homes that used to rest on them. We heard the waters were 20 feet deep. The spray-painted rescuers’ marks on the houses tell the tale of the bodies found here. The flood had to be horrific.
A few blocks in are some homes that were swept in from blocks away and those crumbled on their foundations. It’s not until you get a little farther inland that signs of life are returning. Some homes have been restored, but not many. Even Fats Domino’s house, where he tried to ride out the storm, sits empty and not back to normal. City workers are beginning to replace the infrastructure now. But still, there are very few street signs beyond those bent and hanging from their brackets, or those spray painted on bent and broken power poles. Schools here are closed, as are most of the businesses that used to struggle to eke out their living in the poverty-stricken neighborhood.
It was hard not to feel sick looking at it all. These were not only dwellings and neighborhoods swept away, but lives as well. Not only those who died in the flood, but those whose families have been displaced, too. They have lost everything that was dear to them. And for those who didn’t have much to begin with, that’s saying a lot.
But we saw a lot of good, too, and discovered a lot about ourselves.
I, for one, found out that I’m not 19 years old anymore. Even though Tracy tells me that often, the otherwise obvious revelation came to me working alongside Jared Recker, a sophomore at Northern Michigan University who grew up at Our Lady of Lourdes. 
After trying to keep up with his non-stop high energy level for a couple hours, I did the math. Sure enough, he’s young enough to be one of mine…just four years older than my own son. I hadn’t realized I was that old yet. I wouldn’t have felt so bad not being able to keep up if only Joe Maar, a 73-year-old powerhouse, would have slowed down long enough to give me an excuse to take a break.
The group from Pat’s car: l-r, Tim Grocholski, Jared Recker, Jim Schaefer, David Brooks, and Pat Hopkins.
I also learned a lot about the guys who traveled down in the car with me. Besides me and Jared, there’s Tim Grocholski, an engineer by trade to whom I’m eternally grateful for sharing driving duties; David Brooks, who along with Tim was on the previous trip in April and is a great tour guide and hard worker; and Jim Schaefer, an easy-going hand therapist at Aurora BayCare who showed us the valuable skill of how to break up floor tile with a claw hammer. I couldn’t have asked for a better crew.
Early this morning, a few of us were talking about how much we had accomplished together in just a day. “You can’t do this stuff alone,” noted Scott Crevier, a 40-something computer genius/Packer fanatic/and all-around fun guy who’s also a first-timer.
An off-hand remark, but powerful words. How much could this city or our country accomplish by working together? How much could each of us grow by getting to know each other better…learning to ask for help…letting go and trusting that those closest to us – or God, for that matter – will be there for us if we just let them in? What could each of us become if we did just a bit more to help those around us who really need us and can’t help themselves?
The whole group.
You really can’t do this stuff alone. And life sure is a lot easier and more fun when you finally realize that.
January 9th, 2007 at 10:16 pm
As you keep writing, I’m beginning to see more and more of the devastation that took place, and I almost feel that we don’t know how good we have it around here. I can’t imagine how hard it would be to be forced out of my home by a large scale natural disaster, and have nothing as many people down there seem to have fallen victim to. Your words hit true to their mark when you say that you wonder how much people can get done when they work together. From what you are describing, even just in your small group it seems that if everyone contributes their unique talent to the group, there’s no telling what you can accomplish. I truly look up to all of you down there, and I wish I could have come along to share in the experience and look for true faith within the everyday happenings. I’m proud to know all of you, and I’m glad that the group is becoming a tight knit family. Thank you all for everything you’re doing.
January 10th, 2007 at 12:01 am
Dear Patrick,
As I read Tim’s response I can’t help but say AMEN! This experience will not only change your life but the life of your family members as well. Education is great but first hand experience is even greater. Thank you for sharing your first hand experience! The prayers for all in your group continue.
Lovingly,
Aunt Mary
January 10th, 2007 at 6:38 am
Great insight Patrick!
There’s probabely not a lot of stuff
that can be done well and happily ‘alone’ in this life.
And the fun of going it togther
whether it be your work this week,
the life of faith we all share,
the household and family stuff -
it’s God’s gift.
The expereince seems to be having
a profound impact!
How awesome!
Thanks for giving yourself to it
so that God can give the gift to you guys!
We are proud of you
and
praying for you all!
God bless-
Fr Tim
January 10th, 2007 at 7:09 am
hey dad, as i keep reading your words it keeps hitting me that everyone is still going through the fastball of Katrina.
when you’re living in De Pere you don’t have to worry about the devastation of losing your family, or your life.
i’m really proud of what you’re doing and it’s going to help many people
love and miss you,
Katie
January 10th, 2007 at 9:44 am
Hi Pat,
Thanks for the opportunity to view your good work and to read your great words. We are praying for you and the entire crew. I am having trouble expressing what I am feeling after reading your entries. I have a lump in my throat. We don’t leave our little world here in De Pere, do we? We forget. Thanks for reminding me. I for one am very proud of all of you, and I don’t even know most of you. Tell Erin Riley that we are holding down the “Fort” so to speak and no problems with the R.E. Classes have occurred. God Bless you all and be safe.
Dinah Grassel
January 10th, 2007 at 11:35 am
Hi Pat
Thank you for the daily journal. I think back to three weeks ago and our family Christmas celebration - warm home, plenty of food, gifts, and extended family. It is hard to imagine that in this great country of ours, the red tape, lack of insurance money, and lack of support from local and national government have left so many in such a state of despair. How quickly we forget when the stories no longer make the headlines in the daily newspapers or on the TV. May God bless all of you and your efforts to help out the people of New Orleans. Take Care Pat!
Karen Nienhaus
January 10th, 2007 at 3:28 pm
Pat,
Your impressions, insights and ability to articulate them really come alive as I read your reflections. I shared this site with several here at the college as we continue to consider service opportunities for our students.
Sounds like you are gaining much from the service you (all) are giving — I’m proud of you and grateful for your gift of shared inspiration. Thanks!
Love,
Maggie
January 10th, 2007 at 5:30 pm
After seeing just the first picture, all i can say is:
Wow
January 15th, 2007 at 12:27 pm
Hi Pat:
As a member of the team that went down to New Orleans I want to say that you superbly captured the mood and real issues that are being faced there. What you failed to report is that IF an award was given to the most creative member of the team it would be to you. The two “blow up” chairs with a cooler as a table and also the plastic drawered dresser that you provided, surely brought a “hominess” to our environment! Your dedication to keeping up your blog was very impressive. What a guy! What a great experience this has been and you depicted it so well. Thanks!
Karen