Mr. Lake's New Orleans Forum

2 years today I got on a big bird with my 2 babies as my carry on luggage and headed for CA. to start my new life. I am doing some reflection before I start my day and the tears are rolling down my eyes.

It isn't sad tears, I am just thinking of what I went through to get here and how it felt to be here alone and scared.

I am also thinking of my mother whose birthday is today. I miss her but Thank God she didn't have to go through Katrina. She would have never made it.

Happy Anniversary Maria!

I'll bet everyone else misses you just as much as I do! It's not the same without you here, but I do understand the need to move on when it's time.

You were very brave as a native New Orleanian - and a tried & true one at that - to uproot yourself & try something new & different - so far away.

Kudos to you - you spread more than a bit of New Orleans in every encounter - people will get a taste & slice of N.O. without even having to leave home!

And Happy Birthday to ya Mama! Although I only saw her a handful of times at your shop, I can say she was one of a kind!

xxoo,
Isabella

It takes a lot of strength to do what you did, maria. You should be very proud of yourself. I know your mama would be. And what a great life you are making for yourself!

What a coincidence that you made your move on your Mother's Birthday. I'm joking.

Happy anniversary. How time flies, no?

My grandparents had a house in Lakeview. They never in a million years would have evacuated. I'm happy they did not have to go through Katrina. They would have suffered horribly.

Maria you have accomplished so much. I don't just mean in CA, but here as well. You have shown that you can do anything. I'm very proud of you.

Hey Maria, you are living my dream.

I hate you.

Not really.

Ditto on that.

I could not imagine myself being so brave as to move alone to a far away place where I knew hardly anyone. And look at you now, ya big TV celebrity, you!

I wish I had the balls to do something like that and be better off in two years time. It's amazing how fear stops us and scary what we miss out out on because of it. We might all achieve wonderful things if fear didn't stop us.

Thanks everyone. I had a fairly rough day but am still counting my blessings. It's weird b/c speaking of fear- I am afraid to leave tomorrow b/c last time I "left" home, I went back to nothing. I know it sounds silly but it is part of the ptsd thing. It will be the first time traveling and it just feels scary.

I am going to sleep now. I have to wake up at 3 to catch an airport shuttle at 5:30.

Will check in from Dallas.

Just wanna add my voice to what your other forum pals have said - congrats to you Maria, for having had the guts to make the big move two years ago. I can imagine the mixed feelings you must have had (and probably still have), but you've made a new life for yourself with grit and determination, and in a beautiful place to boot. Good for you, girl!

And yeah, I know you have your mama on your mind especially on her birthday. I like to think our folks are watching over us somehow, cuz sometimes we all feel like little kids who need some TLC...no matter how old we get.