While there is so much I need to express about the freakishly skewed metaphysics of Mother Nature lethally thrashing my beloved upper Gulf Coast with the "Storm of a lifetime" twice in my lifetime (Camille, 1969), I do not have the emotional strength to do it yet. Instead I will simply state the latest news about the Bosco family's sudden Diaspora and post some photos of very recent and vastly better times.
I have only been able to speak directly with my son, Joseph; I have also had e-mail contact with cousins, nieces and family friends. This much I know:
Joseph, Michelle, her parents (the Mocklins), and Linda, are safe and sound in Dallas. When the New Orleans branch of the Bosco family will be able to return to the city is anybody's guess. My brand new in-laws lost their home; Joseph and Michelle, and Linda, did not. Linda's car was lost.
My mother Wilma and my niece Reagan have made their way to Orlando to stay with my nephew Chris. Sylvia, my wonderful, irrepressible sister, is staying with friends in Ocean Springs tending to the affairs of two lost homes and whatever happened to our family's commercial properties in Biloxi.
My Uncle Julie's (Dr. Julius Bosco) house on Front Beach in Pascagoula is still standing but severely damaged; his sons and daughter did not fare as well, their homes were destroyed.
All of the photos except the first were taken by Ellen during our visit home only weeks ago.
The beach house in the mid-50's, with Mom, Sylvia, Prince and me. Originally built in 1893 as a summer cottage, the house has been remodeled many times.
That's the old dude wondering when we're gonna eat.
Joseph and Michelle are watching and wondering the same thing.
My two "almost" sisters Diane and Marie are working on it.
Sylvia, Mom and the old dude.
My niece Reagan.
The view from the porch of old 509 Front Beach Drive.
