New Orleans: There's No Place Like Home In The Superdome

August 30, 2010, is five years and one day since Hurricane Katrina attacked the Gulf Coast. That's right, five years ago yesterday Katrina blew in and caused havoc.

But five years ago today we picked ourselves up, dusted ourselves off, and told the world we're not going anywhere.

Hell, high water, and howling winds...looting and destruction will not win!

We Are New Orleanians and We Have Survived!

And in an instant, I was taken back five years.

The day Katrina hit.

To solidify the feeling of that day: there were dark clouds, a flash of light followed quickly by a thud, and a series of claps. For several hours on this fifth anniversary of Katrina, Mother Nature had given us a prolonged thunderstorm as a reminder.

Looking back, it is easy to be swept away as the memories come rushing back. Due to the barrage of negative press going on the past few days, it is very easy to get angry.

Lucky for me, I have a cheerleader mentality. I am drawn to the positive for I am an eternal optimist.

I wish there were more stories of the humanity that was shown as soon as the brunt of the storm had passed. As people emerged from their homes and assessed the damage, they were greeted with smiles.

The morning after brought an even greater sense of togetherness, like a Monday morning after a Saints win.

We cleared roads of small trees and waited for the chainsaws to cut away the larger ones. We all knew as bad as it was "there is still no place like home."

For all the downright depressing stories, I can give you a triumphant one. Contrary to popular belief, the city is roughly 80 percent repopulated.

I'm reminded of something I read in Drew Brees' book, Coming Back Stronger, which if you haven't read yet, I strongly recommend. Before Katrina season ticket holders ran about 32,000, but after, it reached 70,000 and many more on a waiting list.

In less than five years, the Saints had gone from a 3-13 team to 13-3 team during the regular season. And to a Super Bowl win.

In September of 2005 many of us were told that the city would NEVER come back, but we vowed it would. For once again we knew "there's no place like home."

The memories of the Superdome in shambles in the days after Katrina were eased but not forgotten when she reopened her doors on September 26, 2006. What a night that was to be part of.

Chris Rose, columnist for The Times-Picayune and author of 1 Dead in Attic put it best in his September 6, 2005, article which starts,

“Dear America, I suppose we should introduce ourselves: We’re South Louisiana.”

How those words still ring true to the WhoDat Nation.

Here’s the thing. As national media replays the many sad stories of five years ago, we here in the greater New Orleans area are having jazz funerals complete with second lines to commemorate the sadness and at the same time we celebrate the life.

First line—immediate family to the deceased, usually in dark clothing walking somber to the grave.

Second line—those dressed in a myriad of colors along with handkerchiefs or parasols or even walking canes full of flowers, usually being waved to the sounds of the jazz band as the funeral party celebrates the decedent’s life and being in a better place.

As Mr. Rose so poignantly put it,

“We dance even if there’s no radio. We drink at funerals. We talk too much and laugh too loud and live too large, and frankly we’re suspicious of others who don’t.”

If there are any further questions, tune in on Thursday, September 9, 2010, as we kickoff the entire NFL season and raise our World Championship banner.

For then you will see “there’s no place like home in the Superdome!”