Seriously? Now I'm Evacuating for a Hurricane

August 27, 2021

A category 3 (maybe 4?) hurricane is set to make landfall in my beloved New Orleans this Sunday, on the 16 year anniversary of Katrina.

Today, as I prepare to evacuate to Atlanta, I’m reminded of moments of pure joy amidst the grief of Katrina.

As we drove through our neighborhood to survey the wreckage, my mom and I came across what I’ll call a modern art installation, which one of our neighbors assembled as they gutted their flooded home.

They recreated their entire living room on the neutral ground (y’all might call it the median).

Picture their moldy sofa, a broken arm chair, and a busted entertainment center full of electronics all set up like a Rooms To Go showroom. They completed the tableau with the TV remote on the coffee table.

I imagine them laughing as they thought of the idea, lugging each piece to the curb. I think of all the passersby saying thank you for the giggles and taking pictures, myself included.

It still cracks me up.

As it became clear that the storm was coming today, I wondered if I should postpone our Joy Infusion, which I’m hosting on Tuesday. I thought, “Maybe it’s too much for me.”

Then I remembered that moldy living room set (and specifically the TV remote). I thought, “This is what a joy infusion can be.” It’s not about ignoring the tragedy, it’s about finding the moments of laughter or delight within it.

So for now, I’m planning our Joy Infusion. That’s truly what it feels like. Joy is what we all need, and it’s for all of us, myself included.

Rest assured, if I don’t feel like I can hold that space, I’ll absolutely postpone. If I do, I’ll let y’all know and be delighted to have something to look forward to in the future.

Just as my neighbors made a playful homage to their living space 16 years ago, I am deeply committed to holding space and finding the joy with each of you.