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Elaine Antonatos of Metairie, La., wearing the clothes she wore when she evacuated in the face of Hurricane Katrina, welcomes guests |
ELAINE Antonatos is a survivor, and to many of her friends, a symbol of hope and resilience in New Orleans.
I recently spent time on the Gulf Coast on assignment for this newspaper on the second anniversary of Hurricane Katrina.
While I was there, I was lucky enough to attend Antonatos' 76th birthday party at a restaurant in Metairie.
A New Orleans native, she was one of the memorable people encountered by Operation Photo Rescue, founded by two Free Lance-Star photographers, Dave Ellis and Rebecca Sell. OPR volunteers have made multiple trips to the Gulf Coast, collecting storm-damaged photos and fixing them for free.
Antonatos lost her 100-year-old Metairie home and most of her belongings, but managed to save some photos and brought them in when an OPR crew worked at a library in Metairie last year.
She made a lasting impression on the photographers, and kept in touch with them, inviting them to her party when she found out they had returned to Biloxi, Miss., last month to collect more damaged photos.
I've been to the Gulf Coast four times in the past two years to report on the aftermath of Katrina and how the storm affected many people connected to the Fredericksburg area.
It occurred to me that, behind the anniversary stories, the posturing of politicians, the fading memories, are the thousands of ordinary people such as Antonatos who have not forgotten, but are getting on with their lives.
Besides her loss, Antonatos has a personal connection with the storm. It came ashore on Aug. 29--her birthday. She wore the same clothes she was wearing on that fateful day--white shorts, a short-sleeve shirt, white socks and sneakers--to the party.
One of her friends dubbed her "Hurricane Elaine."
Here's some of what Antonatos said to about 100 friends and family:
"The love, patience, compassion and generosity so many gave, simply overwhelmed me. Their hearts and homes were opened to me without question or hesitation."
For several months after the storm, most of the city in tatters, she stayed at five different places. She depended upon family and friends for her most basic needs.
On Sept. 30, the day after Katrina came ashore she was at Danny and Denise Kingston's North Shore home. As they prepared to walk through a forest of debris to the nearest highway to evacuate, Antonatos showed up outside with--Danny remembered fondly--her makeup kit, a cup of coffee and a bowl of grits.
"I'm not sure I would have made it without the incredible and unending outpouring of support, which still leaves me in awe. I did not suffer, want for or need anything that was not instantly offered," said Antonatos.
"I feel it only fitting that we take a few moments to reflect and remember the ones who survived but suffered unspeakable horrors. The unending roadblocks they continue to face and try to overcome in their fight to rebuild their lives is a testament to their strength, courage, endurance and determination that only the locals can comprehend.
"This is their home. God bless them one and all." She never did return to her home; she's renting an apartment.
She mentioned her friend, Mary Doussa, who was among the guests. Doussa, 97, lost her home in Lakeview on Lake Pontchartrain.
Antonatos went on, "She is hoping to build a new home on her lot and is shopping for furnishings. If this isn't inspirational and motivational, I don't know what is."
Rusty Dennen: 540/374-5431