[StBernard] Tie a Yellow Ribbon if You're Rebuilding

[Westley Annis]

  The Kellers on Corinne Avenue, after considering our few options, 
decided that we want to at least TRY to return to our home and 
community.  More and more our family, friends, and neighbors are 
asking, "Are you coming back?" instead of "Where are you staying?"   
I'd like to suggest, since yellow ribbons are a sign of HOPE, that 
whether you are already clearing and gutting or if you are thinking 
about returning, tie a yelllow ribbon somewhere on the front of your 
house as a sign of hope and encouragement that those of us who want to 
rebuild the NEW St. Bernard will be able to do so. While there are many 
unanswered questions regarding the environment, flood protection, 
schools, utilities, insurance, we are saving what's left to the 
structure in the HOPE of being able to move to Phase II, the 
rebuilding, while others are considering bulldozing and starting fresh.

As a member of the St. Bernard Economic Commission, the Planning 
Commission, and Business and Professional Women, to name a few of the 
community organizations I participate in, I know that while there will 
be fewer in our community, there will be enough people with the spirit 
and determination to bring our community back.  As I grew teary eyed at 
the community mass, I wanted to hold a sign that said, "It's not about 
the stuff we have all lost!"  Seeing the community come together  for 
prayer was very emotional for our family and made us more determine to 
have HOPE.

Let's get out those yellow ribbons!

Deborah Keller