Wayland to Waveland’s
‘Mission to Mississippi’
Letters from the Families
The Hughes Family Story
Hi, I would like to start off by introducing myself and my family. I am Serena Hughes and my husband is Ralston. We have three beautiful children. Their names are Alexis, she is four, Alyssa, she is eighteen months, and Ralston Jr., he is six months.
Our story begins on August 29, 2005, when Hurricane Katrina came through our path. Ralston, Alexis, and I were living in River View Subdivision with a fiend. My parents and two brothers were living in Waveland. Ralston, Alexis and I left for the storm and headed to Florida. My parents decided that it would be best for them to stay at home with my two brothers. This is where the tragedy begins.
The same night that Katrina hit we came back to Mississippi only to find out that we had lost our home. I was unable to reach my family and had no where to stay, so we headed back to Florida. A couple of days later my sister had got in touch with me and stated that it was urgent for us to go back to Ms. Right then, I knew something was wrong with my parents. When I arrived I met my sister and she then told me that we lost our parents and brothers. It was devestating, I didnt know how my life would go on. I knew that it had to because of our daughter, Alexis.
This is how our Wayland to Waveland story begins. Wayland discovered our story and immediately wanted to begin helping our family. They decided to build them a memorial garden at the park right off of Waveland Ave. Volunteers, Ameri Corps, family and friends all help build the garden. When it was finished the mayor of Waveland, Ronnie Longo, dedicated the garden to my parents, Edgar Sr. and Christina, and my two brothers, Edgar Jr. and Carl.
Now as things were starting to come together, we decided to get married. At this point of time we had Alexis, Alyssa, and I was pregnant with baby Ralston. You all had found out that we were getting married and asked to help by us setting up a gift registry at Bed Bath and Beyond. You told all of your friends and literally three days later I started to recieve packages. We received stuff for our wedding and all kinds of stuff to furnish our home. It was amazing! Not as amazing as the next gift.
We heard about a group who was helping families get into their own homes. So we decided to check it out. We went to Lagniappe and filled out the application and a month later we were told that we will recieve the last home. It is unbelievable. I really am speechless. I would like to thank you all for everything you have done for myself and my family. It is a tremendous help and god bless you all!
Sincerely,
The Hughes Family
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