This week we remember the horrible day one year ago when the deadly winds and water of Hurricane Katrina stormed ashore.

For the most part, our region was lucky. Most storm damage here was minimal, our inconvenience short-term. A few damaged trees and temporary loss of electricity, for the most part.

In fact, Miss-Lou residents were more than lucky; we were blessed by the lessons of Katrina.

In addition to being personally blessed by largely being missed by the storm&8217;s wrath, we were blessed by being able to help evacuees from more heavily damaged areas.

Often overlooked in the national media&8217;s spotlight in the days after the storm were the incredible acts of kindness and generosity areas such as the Miss-Lou experienced. Katrina brought a little bit of humanity back to our normally hustle and bustle world.

People needed help. Race, class, and social status &8212; none of that mattered. We were all the same, people helping people.

Katrina forever changed the Miss-Lou through the memories of the storm, through the weaknesses it exposed, but most important through the people who sought shelter here, and found a new home in the process.

Through adversity comes strength. And today, nearly one year after the storm, our area&8217;s will, determination, generosity and sense of community are stronger than ever.