My reflections come from a different viewpoint. My family is not from the south. We're from the Caribbean. But as it's been said " We ( our ancestors) were on on the same boat but were taken off in differeent ports". I sat shocked, horrified, spellbound and appalled at the scenes braodcasted over television. The lives /histories of thousands and thousands of people would be disrupted forever. The same thing happened with the Middles Passage. Even though Mother Nature was involed with this ( Hurricanes Katrina and Rita), it was the fault of "man" not to act responsibly to protect the lives and rights of others. Even now there are still reports of those who warned of this kind of disaster but priorities were misplaced. Living in Brooklyn, N.Y. I had to quiet my nerves as I thanked God for not having to attend one funeral or memorial program for any Twin Towers victim ( I had 3 friends who escaped). I thank God for all of those who survived and mourn for those who lives were lost AND those ( especially children) who may still not be reunited with family.
I'm happy for the individuals and organizations who have helped and continue to give assistance where needed. But still lives ( living) has to be reclaimed and/or rebuilt.Material things, whether important or petty; whether heirlooms or "junk"; souvenirs or hobbies; for so many are gone. But think about this- we're the descendents of those who not only survived the Middle Passage, but also survived beatings and laws to kill our spirit; who survived learning a new language but also turned the new life around to create new words,music, foods, dance styles,inventions, processes,etc.
Don't keep your stories to yourselves- make sure your struggles and successes are written/recorded/documented for your descedents and future genterations.
May God and our ancestors be with you every step of the way everyday!