Katrina Heroes

It is hard to believe that it has been over five years since Katrina hit the gulf coast. New Orleans survived the brutal attack by nature, however the next day the levies failed and the entire city was flooded. It was a catastrophe that forced people of of their homes and out of their city. Out of this disaster has come stories of friendship, heroism and generosity. One story that caught my eye and my imagination was the story of the McCray and the Sandord families. The McCrays lived in New Orleans.As the water rose and they were forced onto their roof to survive and to await rescue, they made a vow their family would not be split up. The three generations of McCrays ranging from ages 55 years to 4 weeks old, from five different households, left together for Dallas where they were crammed into two hotel rooms. A Dallas volunteer, Sue Sandford, a forty-one year old divorced mother of four children, ranging from ages 9 to 15, met the McCray family and decided this family needed her. She insisted that they all come and live with her and her children in her five-bedroom home in an affluent Dallas neighborhood for as long as they needed to. The McCrays stayed for two weeks, but the bond they have formed has lasted for five years and continues to be strong. They now visit each other several times a year and their children consider each other as brothers and sisters. Shawn McCray, Sue's eleven year old son, recently told the media that of course he loves the McCrays because "You have to love your family". Two families who were total strangers five years ago have created a bond that will no doubt last a life time, all because Sue Sandford decided to help. I love this quote from Sue, "Loving strangers is using a different part of your heart". People like Sue Sandford and her family make the world a better place to live and give us all hope. Knowing that everyday heroes arise in every crisis with love and compassion . . . it's a good thing.