Reporting Katrina: A Boy's Nightmare
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Michael Jackson and his mom, Tangela Miller, with his sisters in front of their FEMA trailer. Photo by Ann Curry.
Tears on his eyelashes, an 8-year-old boy told me today that he fears his life will never be happy again. We were sitting on the steps of the tiny FEMA trailer on his front lawn in New Orleans, and it was clear his trauma ran deep.
"I pray for a miracle," he told me.
He wants his nightmares to end. He wants his mother to stop crying. He wants more than anything to have his home back the way it was, so his life can "be normal."
Experts believe tens of thousands of children are suffering Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome in the Gulf region, 17 months now since Katrina, most undiagnosed.
Michael's young brain has him asking a lot of questions he can't answer. What happened to his friends? Who died and who lived?
What happens to a child who has to worry about so much so young, as his sense of the world is still being formed?
I can tell you a breathtaking level of compassion happens.
In his suffering, Michael says he also prays that people will be all right so they don't have to be scared, that he thinks about the people who died and people who suffered. He admitted to trying not to be sad in front of his mom because he doesn't want to upset her. And he wants to be a "famous lawyer" when he grows up so his mom will never have to suffer again.
Yes, he's only 8.
There is some good news for Michael. A few weeks ago, his family moved back into their home in progress. I took the photo above of him in the kitchen. His smile says it all. Normal is coming.
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Thanks for the post Ann! A councilor once said to me that people often go into the deepest depression "1-year after" the trauma. I can't specifically remember what reason he gave, but it's not correct to assume that people only need support for the first few weeks or months following a tragedy. Maybe it just doesn't fully sink in and when it does, no one is around anymore offering their support as they were initially, thus making it even worse.
Chris Eldridge, Harrisburg PA (Sent Feb 6, 2007 7:56:52 PM)
I'd like to help out as well, now and in the future. I'd like to send either money, materials, or other to Michael's family and or his school/community. I am a teacher in a "rough" school here in Maryland, but even my students would be willing to get involved and help out this community. How can I find out more information to teach/show my students what we can get involved in to help out? Thanks!!
Steve Fletcher, Severna Park, MD (Sent Feb 6, 2007 7:39:05 PM)
My families life consisted of living in a women's shelter in June of 2001 and throughout the summer we were considered homeless. Till I oould get support and relief from the courts from an abusive spouse. Who was an Identical twin if I may add. I lost a home through a court ordered sale. Not making huge money, having at the time a 8mnth. old and a son who was about 6 yrs old.;the school thought my son was having emotional problems. He during the next few years was diagnosed with A form of autism, in going back and forth to a Chicago hospital that was approximately 40 miles away on a bi-weekly basis for at least two years. While going through therapy and recovery from a tragic divorce and domestic abuse, and treating myself as to be sane for my children. My councelor-- at the time which now it was about three years into my divorce stated "I had post traumatic stress disorder." I was having flash backs from the abuse and trama. Making a long story short in going throught a tough time It had made me stronger. After selling my home which did not reap a large amount of money had to go into a trailer in Chicago area. It was the quickest thing I could get. It was actually a relief to be in something very confortable and updated, even more than my homewas. I have phsycologically adjusted to our situation and have finally gotten up for a breath of fresh air. Feeling a sense of adjustment. In thanking the Lord everday I have a roof over my head. Now I hope to get into a home myself as I have out-grown where we are now. It is below Zero now and I feel and I hope this is warm enough for my kids and can we survive this spell as I don't have the same warmth as a home. In seeing the news cast and the shows on television stating the state of living in a trailer, just insults me. I am greatful everyday to have a fairly nice roof over my head. Granted Hurricane victims had lost lots and it was an unexpected tragedy. But I am still waiting for benefits myself to move on with our lives. My children don't even have there own room. I find it appauling in how I see that people will probably get 300,000 dollar homes from even homes from habitat. Where I probably won't even be noticed and many other people who had situations. The church had given me a bag of cloths and a few bags of food. Thank "God" for the people of the church. But how insulting to here a form of life to be ridiculed. As my golden hair turns gray and I turn shows on television off because other peoples problems are being overlooked. I hope this little boy learns through tough times comes a light at the other side. But it is all in Gods timing. I hope my experience had been helpful to someone.
Renee R. Meyer (Sent Feb 6, 2007 7:36:59 PM)
I'm a high school English teacher with a Master's Degree in Counseling; I would like information on how I could volunteer to work with kids in this area during my summer vacation. My heart goes out to these kids who have lived through so much and now must learn how to move on and live a life of joy and hope. It would be amazing to be able to lend an ear and a shoulder to these young people.
(Sent Feb 6, 2007 7:27:31 PM)
This was such a beautiful piece that really gave hope and inspiration to those affected by Hurricane Katrina. You all did an awesome job capturing the heart and resilience of the family and young boy featured in this story. This report gave me that old time feeling of what NBC is all about. I hope that you all will continue to do stories that "keep it genuinely real". I loved how you ended the broadcast with a view of Brian and Ann standing on the street with the crew filming. Even though the city appeared dead, you all were there, working for us the people. I appreciate the honesty and TRUTH in your broadcast. Great job and keep up the good work NBC!!!!
Sheree Stroud, Raleigh, NC (Sent Feb 6, 2007 7:11:23 PM)
How can I help the Miller family and Michael. I lost my brother in Iraq last year and he had three young children, their lives turned upside down because of that. And I understand how much a bike, some of his things he had and needs again,,,, some normalcy means so much to kids and their parents in such tough times, and he is such a great kid for dealing with that situation, the best he can. Please contact me to see what I can do to help. We have not forgotten you. Thanks.
Tim Tulsa, Oklahoma (Sent Feb 6, 2007 7:10:32 PM)
Dear Ann,
Thank you for coming to New Orleans and telling the rest of the United States about the children. Children like Michael are our hope. New Orleans is not the same - We call it the new normal. Yes it is tough for so many still, but with a hopeful story such as yours, we want the rest of the country to know that many of us will always stay. I am one of the fortunate ones who lives just west of the infamous 17th Canal.
Lisa A Schlesinger, Metairie, LA (Sent Feb 6, 2007 7:08:07 PM)
How can I go about buying Michael a new bike?
Dennis Pelkey, Fraser, Michigan (Sent Feb 6, 2007 7:06:50 PM)
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