My friend and I decided that a road trip was in order to see how the folks in Galveston, Texas were doing. We gathered up our maps, packed a cooler of food, and headed for the great Seawall and beaches.

But our journey would soon turn into dismay. The closer we got, the worse it looked. Hurricane Ike packed a punch on this once vibrant sea-side community. The upper category 2 storm made landfall at 2:10 AM on September 13, 2008 with a storm surge over 14 feet. Galveston Island was right in its path.

There are miles of empty lots where homes once stood. Debris is temporarily shoveled into huge roadside holes. Mountains of trash are still being removed along the roadways. Homes that were lucky enough to withstand the wind and water surge are now all boarded up, just sitting empty.

A few local citizens did manage to speak with us. They said the entire area is waiting on the stimulus funds. They were told that relief funds are scheduled to arrive at any time. And that is what they've been told ever since the Hurricane hit. That, "help is on the way." All basic services are functional and businesses have reopened. And the folks are carrying on with their daily lives even with missing landscape.

Our trip was an eye opener for sure. The brave folks of Galveston will live on. Although remnants of destruction are visible, the people of Galveston remain humble and grateful.