photo by steed media service

Thousands of New Orleanians suffered tremendous losses in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. Paula Jackson and her family were among those who lost their material possessions, but kept each other strong. Her unique fight to save her daughter’s life after one of our nation’s grimmest disasters demonstrates that love still conquers all.

“We were displaced by the storm, one of those families that actually had to be removed from the house by boat … I have a daughter who is severely handicapped, she’s wheelchair-bound, and having to get her out was my main concern,” says Jackson of her then 15-year-old daughter, who suffers from a debilitating spinal disease.

The devoted mother of two, who currently lives in Dallas, says her daughter can’t speak, eat solid food or bathe herself. Caring for her daughter’s physical needs wasn’t Jackson’s only concern as she waited with thousands in the New Orleans Superdome, she says.

“A lot of violence took place in the Superdome, so many of our young ladies and our little girls were victimized sexually … if I had to sleep standing up, that’s what I did looking after mine,” says Jackson.

Since the storm, Jackson says that all of her daughter’s equipment — a wheelchair, portable commode and bath chair have been replaced by Dallas’ health services. Even with some of the medical assistance she receives for her daughter, Jackson believes returning to New Orleans is the best remedy for her entire family.

“I’m ready to be back home, and put her back into hands I feel comfortable and safe with. There’s no place like home … it’s a security. It’s just a deep warmth, [when] you’re home,” she shares. Mothers like Paula Jackson remind us that no matter what happens in our lives, home is where the heart is. marissa mitchell

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