It started off as a light drizzle. Then drifted into a thunderstorm. We live in the swamp, so rain doesn't scare us. This is Louisiana. A little rain usually cools off a hot summer day or brings in a needed breeze at night. We've all heard the flash flood warnings before. In our defense, the rain was not in an area where people find themselves intimidated by water. As I've previously stated, it's Louisiana, we aren't afraid of getting wet. There were no warnings of a hurricane either. Some of us went out to a nice dinner with our families. Others were cozied up near family or friends and watched television nonchalantly. We did, however, notice that it hadn't stopped raining for a few days. 'Hm...,' thought many people. Finally the people who were not tuned in sought out the news. It turned out that they weren't regular rainy days. It was far worse. The red, blue, and green colors were scattered about the television screen like an angry toddler who was having a fit with Baton Rouge and its surrounding areas. Words like river crest and evacuation took on a surreal meaning and what unearthed upon us was somethings that hadn't happened to Baton Rouge and surrounding areas for over a hundred years. Poseidon had chosen another example and he had very little mercy. Many beloved neighborhoods within and around the capital city had circum to water. Some made it out, some did not. The loss has been felt across the entire state. It is familiar and heart breaking.

                 These are trying times we're in. Louisiana has suffered so much that there seems to be no hope left. The current calamity has left people without homes, transportation, clothes, and other necessities. Why? That's the only question coming to mind. Why now, why so much, why are things so hard? Why Louisiana again and again? “Why do they stay?,” some may ignorantly ask. This is home and giving up isn't on the menu!

               There has been heartache that appeared to have divided Baton Rouge and the country for that matter. It was sensationalized in the media too. Marches and murders stained the streets and reminded me, ironically, of how Baton Rouge received its name the "Red Stick." But what isn't being filmed or sensationalized is what lies at the heart of what it really means to be from Louisiana. Giving up, isn't on the menu. In waves sororities, churches, businesses, Cajuns, Creoles, Asians, blacks, and whites; people of all ethnicities are banning together to unify and it illustrates what makes this state great. From toiletries to free hair cuts, people love each other and are helping one another. The days of the storm saw heroes of all sex, colors, and creed brave the elements to become one unified helping hand. The rich, the poor, and everyone in between were affected and all have been helping each other to survive this misfortune. This example shows true Louisiana pride and is the heart of what southern hospitality is all about. No matter what we have or don't have financially or material, no matter what issues that emerge in society, no matter what comes our way, we ALL of us, need each other. Together we can be and remain forever unBRoken.