At a McDonalds in Vicksburg, MS

Sometimes Jessica Johanningmeier can go two months between visits to Franklinton to see her parents. Two weeks ago as Katrina was bearing down on the Louisiana/ Mississippi Gulf Coast was what she thought would be the last. Her parents, Luther and Joyce decided to ride out the storm at their farm. They were prepared for the worst, securing everything in sight and made sure they had enough supplies to get them through at least the next week without power.

They went two weeks before it was time to make a trip to bring them supplies. They were okay purchasing gas in the area as by the third or fourth day gass station lines evened out and returned to normal. The plan was to meet in Vicksburg, MS, bring an extra generator to help run their trailer and farm. Along with the generator, Jessica and her sister Leah, loaded up the car with food, some candy, and a twelve pack of Red Dog (as Washington Parish still has a moratorium on selling all alcoholic beverages).

Coming off the interstate we found the spot for the meeting a McDonalds behind the Wal-Mart. There was food, supplies, and gas all within the distance of a football field. Within a half-hour, the familiar green family van pulled up and out came the parents who were greeted by two very happy sisters. We had lunch discussing everything that happened up to now, not because we couldn't do this over the phone but simply because being there in person is a completely different experience. Even though they reported being okay Monday, it seemed there was a bit of doubt, those fears that they were understating their situation just so the kids wouldn't worry. Being there in person, seeing their smiling faces and that they hadn't lost weight quelled those fears.

With the exception of having to crack open two of the MREs and having no Ac, they've been pretty comfortable. The only horror story they had to report was by Luther. Last night he sat down to watch the LSU game. It's Friday night, the generator was humming along and the Tigers were trailing fourth down and 10 with a minute-twenty to go when LSU called a time out. Luther was on the edge of his seat when all of a sudden the 20 year old generator purchased for hurricane Elena started to sputter. As the game was returning the TV went dark. Sitting in the inky blackness Luther put his head in his hands, and without any other fuss went to bed.

All in all the reunion lasted for about an hour. Also, we did not come back empty handed. Usually with each trip to their house there are fresh picked mushrooms, okra, and even some eggs from their chickens. Today it was a box of MREs. Luther assures us MRE technology has come a far way since C-rations back in the day when he was in the military. I'll be looking for the Tobasco.