Views of the Neighborhood – Harvey Update

~ John W. Howell

I started out to capture the after photos of some of the places that I have featured on my blog. As you’ll recall, almost all of the photos shown were colorful and full of fun. After taking a number of the after shots, I simply stopped. Seeing these places as they appear now doesn’t capture the spirit of our town. The photos depict loss and sadness and are difficult to view. These are places of business and people’s homes and as such very personal spaces. I do not feel comfortable with an invasion of those private moments of challenge that a photo would represent.

Sadness is not what is left of Port Aransas. We still have the spirit to rebuild. I’m going to wait until the new, colorful, and fun Port A emerges. I’ll tell that story when available.

In the meantime, I will focus on the best we have to offer.

The Poly Anna

Here is a shot of the shrimp boat Polly Anna. The owners John and Molly rode out the storm and were able to bring her back home. She flies her flag proudly.

Texas Flag

Over the destruction in the marina flies the symbol of the spirit of our town and state. The flag stands for hope and the promise each of us must make not to give up.

Thank you for reading.

67 thoughts on “Views of the Neighborhood – Harvey Update”

  1. I don’t blame you for not wanting to show pictures of the destruction, John. I’ve seen so much destruction in the Caribbean Islands it’ll last me for a while. It’s wonderful the shrimp boat made it through. I hope the rebuilding will be swift and thorough. The government seems willing to give a good amount of money toward that end. Also, companies and individuals are donating so there’s a lot to look forward to. All the best in getting the repairs to your home finished. 🙂 — Suzanne

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  3. Beautiful reflection, John. Your focus on hope and your respect for the privacy of others is truly inspirational. Tragedy is both collective and very personal – you’ve brought that point home to all who read your post. May blessings abound.

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    1. So true, Pilgrim. I talked to a woman who was volunteering at the pet shelter. She was staying there because she had no where else to go. It broke my heart that she was in such dire straights but still giving.

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  8. Good morning, John!
    I’m glad the Polly Anna survived by riding out the storm. Now that’s something I wouldn’t have thought of. Sturdy boat and intrepid souls on board. I had been wondering how the boats in the marina fared. If their owners had taken them out of harm’s way.
    Let’s hope Port A will be restored to its former self, even if that will take a long time I suppose. Glad you down there are keeping your spirits up, as that flag shows.
    Have a wonderful Sunday,
    Pit

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    1. I have some shots of the sunken boats. I would say those who did not find a safe harbor lost their boat. By last count that number was 66. It will take time but rebuild PA will.

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  9. John, I fully support your thoughtful and empathetic decision about the photos. I think we can imagine the destruction from all the pictures we’ve witnessed on the TV news. How wonderful that your neighbors and fellow citizens of Port A are full of courage and resilience. I hope to see the pictures of the rebuilt Port A very soon.

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  11. You have captured the spirit of Port A with these photos. Somehow I didn’t think that you would post photos of the destruction. I saw enough in today’s CC Caller-Times. The people that live there are tough and love it. They (and you) will recover. We always enjoy visiting and taking visitors there via the ferry. Cheers on this Sunday!

    I would not want anyone to take photos of our street right now as it is still piled high with tree limbs, trash and the remains of downed fences.

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  12. I understand and admire that you are avoiding the negative aspect of the storm– and wanting to focus on the rebuilding and recovery.

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  16. Thank you, John. I’m sure Port A — and the rest of the state — will rebuild, bigger and better than ever. In the meantime, no sense pandering to idle curiosity (though I doubt any of your lovely readers would fall into that crass group!). Odd, we keep hearing about Florida but little of Texas. Y’all must have chased away all the journalists until you have something good to show the world!!

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    1. It is the fifteen minutes of fame stuff that journalists are so good at portraying. I wish they would tell the story of the woman who volunteers at the pet shelter and now lives there because her home is gone. She still takes care of the animals,als even though her life has changed. Amazing.

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  17. Thanks John. This is a pleasant break from the endless scenes of devestation the main stream media wants to share. I doubt they’ll be back for the happy ending. I’ll count on you to deliver that when available.

    Good luck to you and all your neighbors.

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    1. Thanks, Dan. There is a can-do attitude that that flag represents. If you think about it, the working crane is left for the weekend with a symbol of hope. Gotta love the construction guys and the crane operator.

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  19. Amazing the shrimp boaters made it thru so well….and with doggies on board. I doubt they would willingly desire to go thru that again tho. I agree that there are just some things that the world should not be privy to. The sadness I have seen on Cujoe and Big Palm Keys is almost to much to bear. I’ve seen things I wished I had not. It’s like not being able to un-ring a bell. That being said, knowing the house on Matlacha weathered the storm makes me all the more eager to get into it. People say we are crazy and they are probably correct, but I stopped worrying about what other people think of me a long time ago. What other people think of me is really none of my business.

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  23. I agree John. After Irma hit Florida, people were out immediately cleaning up and rebuilding. Our states are used to getting pounded by nature and then helping each other out. At 9AM, the morning after Irma hit, there was a knock on our front door. It was my next door neighbors. They have a generator and brought us coffee and said, “let’s get busy” when we were done drinking it. Our damage was minor compared to many so when we were done we set out to help those that were worse off. That’s what a community does.

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  24. I agree, John. In the face of destruction, everyone needs time to heal. I am inspired by your heartfelt message and continue to pray for all those who have faced loss during this horrible hurricane season.

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