I do not know how to measure satisfaction, courage, dedication or perspicacity. On our recent journey through the bayous of South Eastern Louisiana, though, I met an empathetic fellow named Glenn Sanchez who had a winning way about him. Sanchez embodies the character of the people here. He and every other fisher here has been through Hell and back at some point in their lives. The recent hurricanes, not withstanding, they are survivors. They have watched their world deteriorate before their eyes and through circumstances beyond their control. Their marshes disappear, their oyster beds covered by storm after storm, their livelihoods threatened over and over again. And yet, like a fishing buoy they pop back up, somewhat wizened, sunbaked, and glad to be in a place they love, despite the hardships, heartaches and setbacks they endure. With the recent crisis, it may have all ended. The oil is now hitting the shores of this sacred place, but it is the lack of knowing what the future will bring that keeps him on edge. Here, 60 miles southeast of New Orleans, in the place where the eye of Katrina passed directly over head, he and everyone he knows is staring at the end of a culture directly in eye.
I write you having finally reached our arduously sought after goal. And thanks to you we can continue to tell this story. Please take a few minutes to watch this recently edited piece about Glenn.
OIL IN THE FAMILY 