Return

This week we take off for our vacation in the Big Easy. This will be our first return trip since Katrina. There is something bittersweet about returning.

On one hand, we are just jumping out of our skin in excitement. On the other hand, we know that life is still a struggle for many in that area of the world . . . and being tourists, we won't be able to truly appreciate how much of a struggle it is.

We plan to hit the tourist hot spots and tip well and stimulate the local economy. We justify our visit by saying that for every tourist who comes, there are jobs and opportunity. But, we also know that we will be getting a sanitized look at the heartache.

Perhaps, in our case, it's the thought that counts and the fact we're going? I hope so.