Deeann Brooks , DFPR, Springfield Office

I am thankful I had the opportunity to assist in the emergency food stamp program in Louisiana . You see all the coverage on television but it doesn't compare to what you actually see in person. It really doesn't. There has been so much damage it just seemed unreal. They have so much to deal with it is overwhelming. I don't think anyone could have imagined the total devastation that Katrina caused. They still have hopes of regaining their homes and lives.

All of the people I personally worked with were so thankful and appreciative of the help we offered. A lot of them had lost their homes or had significant damage to their homes. They were living in their cars, tents, with friends or family and in shelters. A lot of them told of living off of MRE's (Military Meals Ready to Eat) and Red Cross meals, and still had no electricity or water. They had very little money or none at all. The money they did have, they had spent when they had evacuated and their banks were still closed, so they didn't have access to their accounts. They also had no jobs to return to because the businesses were ruined too. These people had been living like this for weeks now yet they were so friendly and thankful to everyone for our help.

Once I returned home, I actually felt guilty because I did have a home I could return to that wasn't destroyed, had electricity and water and all the other everyday luxuries we take for granted and a job and they are all still living without. I wish I could have stayed longer and done more to help them.

The theys are moms, dads, bothers, sisters, grandparents, etc. all trying to recover together. They are real people just like you and me. They are all wonderful people and have pulled together for each other. We need to offer them as much help and support that we can.

Even after seeing the devastation and talking with all the people it still seems unbelievable, like a bad dream. I wish it were all just a bad dream and be over already.