Maria?

When we moved into our New Orleans home, for awhile it felt like we were living in someone else's house. The events that transpired post-Katrina were surreal to say the least. We were not here for that event, but have heard amazing stories from friends. After settling in to "our" new house for a few weeks, Brad finally decided to tackle the attic. The attic was filled with the previous home-owners belongings. Tax records, personal files, baby crib, guitar case... Once we started to receive mail at our house, our box was flooded with mail for Maria and Paul.

I asked our neighbor because I was curious about the family that had lived here before us. Our neighbor Linda was all to happy to tell us about the wonderful family that had lived here - Maria and Paul and their son. Over the past three years, we have received financial statements, W4 forms, and countless solicitations addressed to Maria and Paul. And every time, I wrote Return to Sender, this person no longer lives here, and returned the mail to my mailman.

In some bizarre way, I felt connected to these people. Well, Friday I was working in the office (like every Friday), and I saw a car drive super slow in front of our house and stop in the middle of the street. The driver was starring at our house. I kept working and then realized that she was walking up to our house. I jumped up to open the door (because the doorbell always sends Maggie into a barking frenzy).

"Hi, can I help you?"

"Hi, I'm Maria!"

OMG! You're kidding.

I smiled and said, "Maria, so nice to finally meet you. I receive all your mail!"

Next thing I know I'm giving Maria a full tour of our house. Thank goodness it had just been cleaned. With cellphone camera in hand, she took several pictures of every room. She squealed at our fountain in the backyard... was shocked by all the improvements that had been made and told me her Katrina story. We talked about the neighbors and the neighborhood. And she shared her memories of raising her son in this house.

As we said goodbye, she gave me her card and home address. I now know where to send her mail!