Top_Heavy's World

The water is dropping quickly now, leaving a stinky, dirt covered world, that none of us have seen before. Downtown Cedar Rapids looks like a demilitarized zone. I drove around and picked up garbage today, the massive amounts of junk, broken windows, flooded vehicles, bent over trees and road signs... it was amazing.
My heart goes out to the people who actually lived in the areas flooded, my back aches as much as my heart as I know what toils have been undertaken these past couple of weeks. I worked in Palo to try and hold back the water.... that house got water 8' higher than the last sandbag.... that was tough to handle as my first labor or love was lost. I tried to help get belongings from another garage... we were unable to save much of the equipment in the brief moments we were given... a friends lawncare business had no flood insurance and he can't just replace that much equipment. My second attempt failed too. I spent an entire Saturday trying to pump, bail and drain a basement that was 5 1/2' deep. we got it down to the sump hole and we were forced to shut of the generator and clear the area... the neighbor had a gas leak.... the basement is again filling up and has a huge 3" crack developing down the length of a wall... I fear the house will be condemed. My next attempt failed.
I feel so worthless at this point. I have given my house, showers and food, my time... hours and hours of time, lacking sleep for over a week, and yet none of my struggles have visible success. I am glad I have helped so much, I love all that I have worked with and for, I just wish I could have done more. I am sorry to you all.
I wont quit, I am here for all that need it, just sort of looking for that first big "WE DID IT" experience. Good luck to all that are still fighting the good fight, God bless to all that have lost so much, and Thank you to all of the others out there who have volunteered