A year ago, my partner, Michael, and I were living in our camper about 50 miles from house, not knowing when we may be able to return to our home. It was one year ago that I made my first venture into the city to try and see what happened to our home.
We had rather minimal damage, especially compared to many who lost everything. Our biggest losses came from the looters. They literally took just about everything they could carry from part of the house.
Luckily, we had good insurance coverage and were able to get back home in early October. After replacing the roof and some belongings, it was time to get back to work.
I am sure many people around the world have seen the anniversary documentaries and such. What is going on here is recovery. Yes, it is very slow—excruciatingly slow in some areas and for many families but it is happening all over the city.
We went through with the purchase of a restaurant in December. We had planned on the purchase taking place on Aug. 30, 2005, but that date was taken up with other things. The previous owners re-opened in mid-November and arrangements were made for our takeover on Dec. 20. We became the owners of Mona Lisa Restaurant!
The areas of the city that did not flood have bounced back incredibly. There are a few cases of neighborhood stores and restaurants not re-opening and some that have failed. But many are thriving. Mail is being delivered regularly—well, at least four days a week. Trash pick-up is weekly, water pressure is almost pre-Katrina levels and the electricity actually stays on for weeks at a time.
My work at the shipyard and the restaurant keep me busy. The Cavaliers Motorcycle Club is going strong. While we miss our brothers who were displaced to Memphis and San Antonio, we continue to ride and raise money for local charities.
We have become more active in the community, joining the Lords of Leather Mardi Gras Krewe, the world's only leather Mardi Gras krewe.
Southern Decadence rolled around and the gay community showed its strength yet again. About 75,000 gay men and lesbians came to New Orleans—with a possible economic impact of $60 million, according to AMBUSH Magazine. In my opinion, it's the largest post-hurricane event so far.
Many feel the politicians are not helping and feel hopeless but the majority of those I know are moving on, on our own. ... While New Orleans is not back to normal, we have adapted to a new normal and strive for better.
There is a lot of work to be done and we are making progress.
Douglas Minich, New Orleans
