Katrina.
One thing I learned: what is really important. I lost virtually everything, from every childhood picture I ever had, down to my socks. All my clothes, all my books, every letter I ever received, all my furniture.
Today, in my house, everything in sight I have acquired since August 29, 2005.
And yet I am surprised to find that I lost nothing. I got out with my wife and children, that's what mattered, and the rest of it -- who cares?
Although I have replaced much since that day, my relationship with everything I own is profoundly changed. I see that don't own anything, really -- my possessions amount to a handful, a small pile of junk that makes up my personal empire -- things that have passed into my caretaking for awhile.
And one day, one way or another, they will pass out of my care.
What I have besides that -- myself, those I love, hope, faith, purpose -- those are the things I cannot lose.
So let the winds blow. Let the waters come. All they do is enable me to distinguish what is truly mine, and what will never be mine.
What is truly mine can never be washed away.