The pins and needles of trying to live a life in Ferguson under seige were a little less prickly for a short time while I was in New Orleans. Nevertheless, I was worried that we weren't going to be able to get back. It began when the connecting flight at DFW had "pressurization" problems and was delayed. Sitting in the waiting area, we heard that the Grand Jury had reached a verdict and it would be announced later. At first, it was projected for 5pm. That delay, put us arriving right about at 5pm.
Walking down the runway, the young woman in front of us was Army. She was giving up her Thanksgiving to come and help us. We thanked her. I was down in my seat alone and was grateful. I had space to begin to do a little problem solving and projecting. I took everythng out of my backpack that was important to me that I could put on my body somewhere-just in case it had to be left. I asked the flight attendant if they had lockers at the airport and why I was asking. She didn't even think I was crazy and suggested that since she didn't think so, I should ask at American if I could leave my bag and come back for it later if it came to that. I triaged our getting to Elizabeth options. It went: Taxi, Neighbors, Brother-in-law's brother, maybe Metro, and then if all else failed walk. Our landing took us in over Ferguson. I needed to get to 411. My Sammie Cat was waiting.
When we got off the plane it was 4:45. I said: "Hot foot it to the taxis." We did, and luckily the cabbie took us even though he wasn't happy about it. We showed him how to take 70 to 170 to Airport Road to Thoroughman and then to 411. He was going home after he dropped us off...wise man. It was about 5:30. Sammie Cat was so happy to see me. I'd put my pjs on, but then my brother-in-law's brother called and we decided that if we were going to make the car exchange it was best to do it now. And so, voila. I believed that we could have waited till Tuesday, but went along with the plan anyway. And, I'm glad I did. It began with:
It was a very long night.
Soon it was our Walgreens being looted, smoking, and vandalized. Next, it was Ceasar's Pizza in flames, as well as another restaurant in that strip mall... all less than a quarter of a mile from us and on my bike route to teach at Ferguson Middle School. And, that wasn't the end of the story. By 2am, at least 7 businesses were on fire up and down Florissant Road and on West Florissant. We have hovering helicopters this morning. We are staying put for now. I will keep you posted.