September 22, 2005

 

I have been asked by so many friends how my first national assignment went with the American Red Cross. Since returning on Tuesday, September 20, 2005, I have tried to speak my thoughts and feelings, but become very emotional each time I think about this horrible disaster. I have decided to try and put into words my thoughts and feelings as a way for my healing to take place.

 

As I flew into the Jackson Airport, I could already see huge trees uprooted and houses damaged from the air. I told myself it really didn’t look that bad, but I knew I was far enough away from Gulfport and Biloxi that the real damage could not be seen. I had left my chapter ready to take on the world and help in any way I could with the victims. I arrived at the Jackson American Red Cross Chapter and had my first encounter with the lady making assignments for everyone. I would describe her as somewhat of a “drill sergeant,” but I know this is what’s needed in this type situation. The office was utter chaos. Several people told me they had been sitting there for most of the day so I became somewhat anxious as to how long I would be sitting at headquarters. I wasn’t here to sit and definitely not here in headquarters. The “drill sergeant” came out and barked out asking who had any mass care training. Being the eager beaver I am, I raised my hand and was told to follow her. I wasn’t about to say no, so I obediently got up and followed. She informed me I was going to be a shelter manager in Brandon, Mississippi. I nodded OK but said I needed to let her know this was my first national assignment and certainly my first time running a shelter. She said I would be “shadowing” a man by the name of Ken who had opened this particular shelter two days before the hurricane and needed relief since he had been there 4 days and nights. I was given instructions and went directly to the shelter. 

 

My first impression of Ken was a man who looked like “death warmed over.” My first thoughts were “am I going to end up looking like this poor man?” I said a silent prayer and introduced myself. I told him I was here to shadow him for a few days and he informed me right off that the shelter was being taken over by the Red Cross and he was going home to rest. I know I must have had sheer terror in my eyes and sweetly told him to wait just a minute while I called my boss back at Jackson headquarters. I stepped out of the room trying not to hyperventilate and dial her number at the same time. All I could see before me was failure in the worst way and these poor souls out in the gym of the church with no hope in sight. I guess my boss must have sensed my “panic attack” since she kept telling me to slow down and take a deep breath. She said she would send someone else out to help me and not to panic. Easy for her to say since she was in Jackson and I was out in a town I didn’t know at a shelter with well over 500 clients lining the gym. Needless to say, my prayers were answered by a wonderful lady from Jefferson City by the name of Karen. She came in and told me this was her first national assignment as well and she was scared to death. We hugged, we cried, and we told each other we could do this. Ken left within an hour and poor Karen and I began our journey as shelter managers.

 

The first thing I truly remember as I walked out to the gym was this sea of humans. Every size, shape, color and all with an intense need to tell their stories and have someone tell them everything was going to be OK. Under normal circumstances, a “special needs” shelter would have been set up but this had been done and was already full. I found dialysis patients, people on insulin pumps, a gentleman who had been crushed by a tree and was suffering from broken ribs, collapsed lung, punctured ear drum (but since he wasn’t critical was unable to remain at the hospital since they were overcrowded), premature 5-day old baby girl on a breathing apparatus, people going through detox since they were no longer able to get their drugs, and the list seemed to go on and on. We had clients from Biloxi, Gulfport and New Orleans. One family from New Orleans had been in the Superdome and the mother was so traumatized from the rape she had witnessed that we had to have the doctor and mental health have her admitted to the hospital. Several of the children from the Superdome would eat until they made themselves sick because they were afraid we would run out of food. We held them and loved them and told them if they got hungry, all they had to do was to find either Karen or myself and we would give them something to eat.

 

 

I was asked if I would do this again and my simple answer is this: “In a heartbeat.” It allowed me to help others and by helping them, I received so much in return. This wasn’t a job but a wonderful mission and I am so glad I had the opportunity to do it. 

 

Judy Jehling

September 22, 2005

American Red Cross Volunteer