Oh (((AAA))). I ain't nothing special. Just do what i have to do to get by.

I stayed for every other storm. The last big one that was heading for us was Ivan. It took the turn at the last minute. Thank Goodness. I just never felt the need to leave. I knew in my heart we would be okay. But on saturday, there was a stillness. the calm before the storm. I didnt feel myself. I felt like i was standing on the outside looking in. That whole day. Then Sunday morning, seeing how huge it was, covering almost the entire Gulf. There were chills that ran through me and i got goose bumps. I swear i saw hell in my eyes for a second there. I just knew. I just had the feeling i had to get out. No matter what the traffic would be like. I had to go. Everyone had to go.

How did I react to each obstacle? It just happened. My adrenaline was pumping so hard that i just did what i had to do. It was all surreal, still feel that way now sometimes. But, then my mind had some other control over it that made me work on automatic. Some of the things i did, i regret now. But, you just don't know how you'll react until your put in that position. I think i let my heart rule more than my mind.

Listening to my friends and family. From just getting in touch with them the first time after the storm through to know. Things are said and most of it was so harsh to honestly take in. You just accepted what happened and smiled, hugged and held on so tight and cried. They were all you had left.

I have regrets of things i wish i would have done in the early days. But, like my brother said, having the military point their rifles at your head isnt fun. And knowing they would have shot made it worse.

The Waffle House. I remember parts of that. Dave has told me alot of what happened, thats what brought it back to my memoory. I remember arguing with her and being thrown out the door very clearly. But, the other patrons all walking out. I dont rmember that from my memory. And I do regret what i did there. She had every right to feel that way. Hell, the entire gulf coast region invaded the rest of the U.S. with a vengence. We tried to be polite about it.

I dont know how to heal. Supposedly, this is a way of healing according to my t. We'll see what happens.