Shokufeh is... home

Going home

These days, I'm often in the position of saying I'm leaving Hawaii soon. Sometimes to friends, sometimes passing acquaintances, but usually followed by their asking where I'm going. "New Orleans," I say, waiting for the look. The look may express shock, or pity, or concern, or confusion, but it always comes. If I see the look turning into something that may be accompanied by a verbal attack on New Orleans, I quickly say that it's where I'm from, to save both of us from embarrassment.

It's hard to explain, without getting teary, but returning to New Orleans is something I have to do. Part of it is my desire for MrMan to spend time with his grandparents. Part of it is that our leaving allows Sam to really focus on finding a job. But I have to wonder if I'd be going to New Orleans if it weren't in the condition that it's in. It's like going to visit a sick relative. They may be recovering, but you want to show you care, give them your support, help in whatever way you can. Even if it's just by sitting close by. And showing that you believe that they'll be up and about soon.

As anyone who's lived there knows, New Orleans is more of a village than a city - the kind of intimacy that exists, how closely everyone is interlinked. It's hard to go places without seeing someone you know, likely someone who's known you since you were a little kid (or, now that I get older, vice versa). While I'm excited about going back home, I'm a little scared that I won't run into people I know, because they're all gone. I want to shout out to them, and everyone else, "Stand by our city! Stand in our city! If we don't, who will? This city that filled our souls with music and our bellies with red beans and rice. This city that helped make us who we are."

When I made the suggestion almost six months ago, I wasn't sure that I would be able to carry it out myself. I'm cutting it close, and I'm achieving it in a way more extreme than anticipated, but in six days, on Lundi Gras, I'll be standing in our city. I encourage you to do the same.