I will never forget the \"Trail of Tears\" that was the evacuation route out of Beaumont, Texas. Taking my ten cats and four dogs in a pickup truck on a journey which unbeknownst to me would last almost 32 hours before I found shelter. Traffic stopped for miles on Highway 96 and passing through small towns where people desparately tried to get gas. I sat for two hours in a gas line at a Walmart in Nacogdoches,TX only to have them run out of gas when I got up to the pump.When I reached Longview,Texas I found that no shelter would take me in because of my animals. I had slept in the bed of my truck along the way, praying my dogs would protect me. Fortunately for me,as a recovered alcoholic I was able to attend a 12 step meeting where a family took me in after hearing my story. It took three weeks to be able to return to Beaumont as there was no gas,water,electric and for those of us who were unable to afford or operate a generator it was unliveable. I believe I was laid off from my job because I did not return as quickly as the manager thought I should. And for all the help wanted signs in windows around the city after the hurricane--no employer was willing to pay a decent wage. The Super Walmart was only open to the public for about 8 hrs a day--and what a thrill to push a buggy around the store like a normal person. Ice cube trays were like gold bricks. If you could find some you were lucky. And the incredible excitement of a KFC restaurant drive thru being open--they had a limited menu, but it was heaven to be able to buy some food and go about your business. There was a curfew of 7pm when everyone had to be off the streets except emergency workers, and everyone stood in lines to apply for a Blue Roof, a Red Cross card, a loan, food and water. Now a year later as we come up on the anniversary of Rita, we all feel the anxiety of the unknown as we watch the weather and chart the course of every tropical storm praying it will not enter the Gulf of Mexico.My great fear is not having enough gas if we have to evacuate again.I keep two large red gas cans filled in my barn ready to go. It was life changing in that I have a great appreciation for those who have experienced similar tragedies and know their emotions: fear, sadness,anger,confusion,shame, and eventually a little hope. How ironic, we opened our doors and hearts to Louisiana, and ended up running for cover ourselves. I was one of the luckier ones--my house wasn\'t destroyed, but I am just getting a new roof put on a year later, and the siding damage has not been repaired. Would I stay in Beaumont after another hurricane like Rita? It remains to be seen.