In Katrina's shadow, memories of a 'perfect' neighborhood live on

Christina Zdanowicz and Katie Hawkins-Gaar
CNN

Paul and Carolyn Hollister, 72 and 67, look over photos of Hurricane Katrina's damage and reminisce about the devastating storm.

Waveland, Mississippi (CNN) - With Hurricane Katrina bearing down on the Gulf Coast, Paul and Carolyn Hollister grabbed a few belongings and headed to Florida in their RV. The couple figured they'd be gone for just 48 hours as they left their Waveland, Mississippi, home.

When they returned 10 days later, Waveland was in ruins.

Circling the neighborhood, the Hollisters saw just a handful of houses still standing. Black mud and downed trees altered the once-familiar landscape.

"We passed our house and didn't even recognize the area because there were no landmarks," Carolyn Hollister said. They spotted their home in the rearview mirror and turned around.

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