7 Years

     On the gulf coast, all you have to say is Katrina, and citizens know exactly what you're talking about. I lived through it and it's a little ironic that on the same day, today, another hurricane comes through to leave a memory of what we went through seven years ago. I have been sitting in my hotel room today broken hearted, remembering all of the struggles we went through as a community and all that was lost. I am also remembering a point in my life where my faith led me and gave me hope. Sad is the only word I can think of to describe how I am feeling. Katrina was the start to many things in my life. It was the year I got my first job, the year I learned that compassion was something that not everyone had, but many did. It was the year I fell in love for the first time and the year I learned that you can lose everything and still have all that is important to you. There were so many things I learned as a life lesson that year and that I still carry with me today. It stirs many memories in me and brings tears to my eyes as I think about the past. My dear friends and family went through so much then and this hurricane brings all of those emotions flooding right back to me. Sometimes I wish there was no heartache or pain. I wish we didn't have to live through such tragedy. But then I realize that so many wonderful things came from that. My maturity, my apparent view on human life and the reality of how people act in stressful situations. For all the sorrow and hurt that it brings me to think back and wonder "what if" I can't do anything  but remember and learn from it. I do hope that all of those who are living back home where I grew up are safe and have comfort through this remembrance process and know what to do if for some chance of chaos the same situations presents itself. I love and miss my home town.

After Hurricane Katrina 

-Ashley Clarke

An End to a Beautiful Beginning

Tulalip Bay, WA

     This is my last day working in Grand Rapids, MI. Yes, I realize the last time I posted I was in Seattle, WA and in between there I was in Sacramento and Stockton, CA. My life has been on the fast track of busy and stressful all at once. It has all been such a joy and continues to be as I end the last day of my first business endeavor. I have found that I enjoy my job and I've also realized it is expensive and I need to work on my budget or it won't matter that this job pays  more than my previous because I will have it all spent before I get a chance to save any of it.

Sacramento, CA

     I have also re-kindled a love with Zach. At one point I wasn't sure it was possible, but I can't imagine my day without him in it. As sporadic and crazy as it sounds he just makes me smile and I love him. I think we have both grown as people and as a couple in the last few weeks as well. He challenges me on a daily basis, and shows me unconditional love, even if he is under pressure or stress.

Detroit, MI

     In the last week, possibly two, I've been realizing how much of my trust and love for others has been done naively. I did not realize the grotesque amount of discrimination there is in our country. Namely religious discrimination and hatefulness. For a country that was built on religious ground, it was built for others to worship a way they chose; it has turned into "it's fine if you worship, just as long as you worship." Those who chose not to be religious, spiritual, or even believe in a God are punished through emotional judgement and hate. Isn't it the same principle? Can't we all join hands in saying, "everyone has the right to chose"? Weather this includes religion, sexual preference, how to raise their children, etc. As long as it is safe and doesn't harm others or themselves, we should not be concerned with others beliefs and more of their character and attitude. I hope that I can teach my children this when and if I have them. I want them to know that people are imperfect and not always what we expect them to be. We have two options; we can accept them and forgive them of their flaws, or we can exclude them from our lives. There is no need for hateful actions toward them. It does no good to hurt others with words/emotional threats. (Of course I am not talking about illegal actions or life threatening situations)



-Ashley Clarke