Someone in their 80s, like Mrs. Mack, could not possibly take on the physical, much less the emotional task of clearing out and gutting their own home, that's why we are helping her and hundreds like her through out the city.

Our volunteers really work hard while they are here. But, some of the most important work will be done when they go home and tell their stories, share their pictures of what they have seen and done here, and relay just how devastated our community is and how much more work is needed.

Operation Helping Hands is helping hurricane victims take the first step toward returning to their homes. Our focus is on the seniors and the disabled, who without our help might not have the financial, physical, or emotional ability to take that step.

It's not as much physical, I think, as it is emotional. You can get emotionally drained, but you can come back from that.

Mack always is looking to get better, not just maintain.

If I nurture the newness while I have it, perhaps, I won't lose it — at least not for something less. And if I nurture what I keep, perhaps, I won't miss what I have lost.