New Orleans, one year later, transformed from the Big Easy to the City of Hope. I've wanted to visit New Orleans for a long time, and now that I have, the timing was bittersweet due to Katrina's visit a year ago.

I was in N.O. for a convention, which brought money and life into the economy, and added our presence to a somewhat empty city. We were warmly welcomed and people really wanted to share their stories, with the sense of hope and gratitude for being alive mixed into the tears, best described as an emotional gumbo. ... (more)