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Politics
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Living With Uncertainty Seven weeks after coming to Maryland, the family is settling in. Romaine McCarthy, who had worked as a resources counselor for kids with learning difficulties at her children's K-8 school in New Orleans, has taken on a few tutoring jobs in the area.She's also offering her services as a sign language specialist to Grace Episcopal Day School in Kensington. “I have a little more confidence now,” Romaine said. “It's always scary thinking, would you make friends? Would you fit in?” The eldest girls, who sensed the seriousness of the move, didn’t ask many questions when the decision was first made to go to Maryland, Romaine said. With time, questions are emerging about what will happen next and when they’ll see their father.
“It’s hard saying, ‘I don’t know … we’ll play it by ear,’ ” she said. Luckily, all of the McCarthy children spent some time at their aunt’s home this summer, so they vaguely knew what to expect in terms of living arrangements, their mother said. The four children sleep on two large futons in Arlene McCarthy’s basement, she said. There is a spare bedroom upstairs that Romaine has turned into a study. And Romaine is sleeping in Arlene’s daughter’s room. Romaine has also taken her children to speak with a counselor, because, she said, “I was concerned about what they weren’t saying.” The counseling has helped the children speak about their worries, and Danielle and Amanda have also been able to express their thoughts at school, where they were asked by their teachers to write about their experiences for the school paper. Amanda wrote a poem, “Life is Short,” which ends defiantly: “I have my family. Katrina, you can’t take that away from me.” The transition to North Bethesda has been easier than expected, Amanda said. Still, figuring out where her classes are took a while. The sisters enjoy telling their new classmates about New Orleans. “I had people in my French class ask me about Mardi Gras,” Danielle said. “I was saying how it's fun, because you get to catch a bunch of beads and scream at the top of your lungs.” Outside of school, the children often try to visit Zip, a German shepherd/collie mix that they were able to bring with them to Maryland. Zip is staying with the children's aunt in Takoma Park because she has more room, Romaine said. The family keeps in touch with friends and loved ones on the Gulf Coast through the Internet and instant messaging. “I've been asking (my friends) how's the school? And how are they adapting?” Danielle said. “We talk about boys a lot. They're saying it's fun, and they can't wait to see me.” Continued on page 4: Figuring Out What's Next
Banner graphic by April Chan, incorporating photo from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration; Newsline Web content edited by Chris Harvey. Copyright © 2005 University of Maryland Philip Merrill College of Journalism
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