I thought things were rough three years ago when my one-bathroom/three-bedroom home grew from its usual two occupants and no pets to seven adults and a dog during Hurricane Katrina.

Living in north-central Louisiana at the time, my Jonesboro home was the perfect refuge point for family members from Metairie, Abita Springs and Covington when Katrina came barreling ashore. The one bathroom and two total beds were the toughest part in the beginning, but considering the circumstances, we all felt fortunate to be safe.

Until I heard the story of New Iberia’s Maudry and Harold Bennett, I thought my story of a week’s worth of hurricane houseguests was unique.

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She has me, and probably many others, beat.

Two of Maudry’s daughters live in the Texas towns of Beaumont and Port Arthur. They and their families returned to Maudry and Harold’s two-bedroom/one bathroom New Iberia home the day before Hurricane Ike slammed into Texas Sept. 13.

It was the obvious port in the storm, and allowed all those involved a chance to miss the impact Ike delivered.

However, the visit combined with grandchildren and a previously scheduled visit from Harold’s parents put the number of people at the home at 20.

Considering 20 marks a number just short of a Major League Baseball roster, not getting on others’ nerves was essential.

“We basically all got along, but it was tight,” Maudry said. “You couldn’t even walk. The bathroom was a problem, because there is one bathroom. As a matter of fact, two (people) slept in the van outside.”

Maudry said she was just glad her family was safe with her at her Evangeline Trace home, even though her house is normally just home to her, her husband and her son, when he is not working offshore.

The evacuation of daughters Jesena and Evena from Texas did bring a welcome visit from Maudry’s grandsons.

“I was relieved because I already wanted them to come back home anyway,” she said. “I missed them. I wanted them to come back safe and they were right here where I wanted them to be.”

One of her five visiting grandsons has returned to Texas to help with the rebuilding process. The other four have jumped into New Iberia life feet first with three boys attending North Lewis and one starting classes and practicing football at New Iberia Senior High.

“He fell right in,” Maudry said of her high school grandson. “He was originally at Westgate before they moved to Beaumont. He plays linebacker for Central High in Beaumont, and coach has allowed him to practice. The little ones are just happy to get on the bus, and I am happy they can go to school.”

Stories like Maudry’s define the resiliency of Louisiana and its people.

When Katrina hit, I slept on my couch for a week while my parents had my room and my grandparents had the spare room.

Making the most out of bad times is the only way to approach these events.

Hopefully, we in the Teche Area are done adding to these stories this hurricane season.

STEPHEN HEMELT is city editor of The Daily Iberian.

He can be reached at stephen.hemelt@daily-iberian.com.