It was like something I usually see in novels, storybooks or those sad stories you read in magazines, dailies and the likes. It is a story about a household in New Orleans. The man was diabetic and the wife, a nursing mother, a Somate. Devastated by their medical conditions, they did not allow their situation to stand in the way of their relationship. They were what you can consider as a perfect example of ‘’smiling-love- in –the-midst-of -turmoil.’’
Mr. Patrick Cole worked hard to cover the monthly cost of his diabetic supplies as well as the Ostomy supplies of his wife. Though he was always living under very tight budgets, all was well until the day hurricane Katrina struck. Though they were able to get to an ‘’higher ground’’ before the situation got worst, however, they found themselves amongst fellow New Orleanians who themselves are in need of help such as medical supplies and food.
The wife’s bag was leaking and so she smelt. The man was highly disturbed and his condition was deteriorating. There was no place to ask for help. Nobody was willing to help them push their case. The Feds were not yet forthcoming. What was Bush doing? His government was simply dragging his feet. Relief Agencies were far at a distance, just observing. Those international disasters agencies that dare to come close only peer through the situation and went back to mobilize for assistance.
While the government and International relief agencies were waiting people were dying; especially those that badly needed medical supplies such as diabetes and ostomy supplies. When the relief was finally available, it was not of direct help to Mr. Patrick. The first batch of relief materials was food including vitamin biscuits for the young and old, clothes, blankets and medicines. They could only hope for a tiny drop of their lifesaver (diabetes and medical supplies) but there were no signs of it coming.