I saw photos on Facebook of old people in a nursing home. They were sitting in waist-deep water just waiting to be rescued. Someone’s grandmother and grandfather were stranded. That’s when I just couldn’t take it anymore. I quickly Googled “Harvey volunteer” and Team Rubicon popped up. I signed up.
I didn’t fully know what to expect about the destruction. I only had an idea from what I’d seen on TV. It was surreal. I kept asking, “How this could have happened?” I’m someone who believes in being prepared. I live in earthquake country and I have supplies. But what would I have done if all my supplies had been under water?
No matter how tired I was at the end of the day, or how sore, it never occurred to me to complain. Every moment of our long days were made worth it because of the gratitude coming from each and every homeowner. I’m grateful for the skills the SBCSD taught me and I loved using all of the skills my husband taught me about DIY and home repair.
I feel like I made the difference I set out to make when I first saw that photo of the senior citizens sitting in the water, waiting. I’m coming back–I’ve found my second home.
