At the time Katrina hit, I had my share of my own personal issues. The demands of taking care of my aging father as well as my son who was having trouble in school were wearing me thin. Coupled with the overtime that the disaster required, I left the office most days emotionally drained. How could I help others when I was struggling myself?

Since our hotline was given prominent media exposure, we handled thousands of calls per day, many of which had nothing to do with housing needs. Evacuees had limited contact with the outside world since their cell phones had died and their laptops had floated away. Sitting for days in crowded makeshift shelters miles from home, they waited and waited-just for a chance to use the phone. Our phone lines never quit ringing.

I spoke with countless victims desperately trying to locate family members lost in the flood. They all needed assistance with housing, food and clothing. The monumental task of rebuilding or relocating was overwhelming. I listened to story after story of horrid details: families who lost every piece of furniture, every article of clothing, every picture ever taken. Cherished mementos and every remnant of their past-gone forever. 

Very few had jobs they could return to so paychecks quit coming and money ran out. Devastation set like concrete. It took weeks before any federal assistance was available to the majority. Some received none.

At times, I would just wipe my eyes and say, "I'm so sorry." That was it. What else could I say? They knew I hadn't suffered like they had. They knew I was in a dry office building somewhere in Oklahoma City. I still had my home...my job...my family. Bottom line-my life hadn't been ransacked like theirs had. Many days I wondered how I could think my issues were relevant considering what they faced.

Even though we were there to help, the trauma made some callers demanding, rude or belligerent. Some were impatient and hysterical. Some were suicidal. Normally, I was sympathetic and enjoyed helping others, but with all the negativity, it was hard to stay positive and encouraging. Just when I thought I had heard it all, I got a call from Brenda.