26 August 20: Laura looms

Hurricane Laura is on path to directly slam my hometown of Lake Charles. It has gained speed and power all day, and my parents decided rather than just moving higher and inland, they would flee east to New Orleans. They finally left LC at 2p today and are now safely in the Big Easy. I’m a wreck for them. Laura is, at present, bigger and stronger than Katrina, and we know how that went. My parents are right on the bayou and the house is nearly 10’ off the ground. Nonetheless, during Hurricane Rita, the garage and first floor flooded, and Laura’s storm surge promises to be worse. Mom and Dad’s physical safety is paramount, but they built this house together on a dream and a lifetime of work and savings, and I just don’t know if they can stand building it back once more. I ask for your thoughts and best wishes, for Mom and Dad and for everyone in the storm’s path. “It is likely to be the strongest storm to ever hit Louisiana,” said a meteorologist today.

2020 continues to be a horrific shitshow.