So it appears Ike is barreling toward the upper Texas Gulf Coast, specifically Houston via Galveston. While we on the lower coast can breathe a sigh of relief (for now), I resent Ike taking aim at Houston just as much as I did when it was heading straight for us. I will always consider Houston my home, and when I wasn't spending time in the city growing up, I was on the beautiful island of Galveston. When Ike slams mericlessly into Galveston and Houston, it will feel like Ike has buzzsawed into my own heart.
Houston has seen worse, of course. Hurricane Alicia, tropical storm Allison, and Hurricane Rita come to mind. But Ike has left such a swath of destruction in its path that I pray for the residents, many of whom are friends and relatives, of the Houston area. Lives, both personal and business, will no doubt be disrupted on a grand scale. Refineries and the Port of Houston will likely be hit quite hard, as will those folks who are not able to evacuate for whatever reason - physical, financial, or otherwise.
I love my city, you see. It has a pulse and a rhythm that no other place even comes close to, in my opinion. It is populated by people with a strength and indomitable spirit that is unmistakably Houstonian. Galveston, for all its determination and drive, has never quite been the same since the 1900 Hurricane that stands in the record books as the deadliest Hurricane ever to hit the Gulf Coast. The loss of life and commerce cost the island dearly, and was on such a scale as to diminish the town for decades to come. I sincerely hope we never see such a tragedy again due to a hurricane.
I know that whatever happens, whatever Houston and Galveston must go through, they will come out even stronger for it. I have no doubt of that. That beautiful skyline will always stand proud, and the seawall will never be lost. These concrete and steel structures stand as a testament to the people of these cities, the bold and determined people that I was lucky enough to be raised among and influenced by and have the good fortune to still call my neighbors. Fare thee well, my city of dreams. After the nightmare is over, there will be clear skies and the promise of a new day ahead. I know you will make the most of it.
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Resilient. Yeah, That sounds better than what my wife calls me - Hard-headed. Cabezon. Stubborn.
September 13, 2008 at 1:39 a.m.My hat's off to you, Riverboat. Seems we have a few things in common! People like you are why I wrote what I wrote. The resilience of Houstonians, and yes, of B.O.I.s is a special thing.
September 12, 2008 at 4:28 a.m.As I already mentioned on another thread, I'm a B.O.I. - Born On the Island. I grew up in Houston. I have a high school diploma and degree from the University of Houston to prove it. I survived Alicia as well as Claudette I, a tropical storm that dumped 43" on nearby Alvin which stands as the record rainfall in this country.
September 12, 2008 at 2:18 a.m.I'm a notorious late-nighter. You've got nothin' on me.
Well, of course Rusty, neither did I. But that storm is now so legendary (or should I say, infamous) that the images and stories are now well known, particularly if you come from Houston. Galveston was actually on track to become a major metropolitan area, while Houston at that time was still a little backhole swamp, Allen's bayou, if you will. The hurricane changed all that, and once the Port of Houston got going, there was no stopping the City of Houston. There is a great book about the 1900 hurricane, called "Isaac's Storm". I highly recommend it. Those poor islanders had no clue what was headed their way, and the aftermath, well, let's just say, I simply don't know how a person lives with the traumatic memories.
September 12, 2008 at 1:41 a.m.P.S. glad to see I'm not the only one burning the midnight oil!
SHUG: believe it or not I didn't see Galveston before or after the 1900 storm so will just have to take your word on it. :)
September 12, 2008 at 1:39 a.m.