Years ago, after watching the news coverage of the Red Cross response to a hurricane, my husband and I vowed that upon retirement we would join the Red Cross as volunteers. As ages 60, 65 and 70 came and passed, we realized that the likelihood of our retirement was slim. Another fallacy to our vow was the fact that we didn�t have a clue as to exactly what the Red Cross did. I believe that in our younger days we envisioned ourselves in hard hats and Red Cross vests, he a hospital administrator and me a nurse, setting up emergency tents and administering to the frail and injured.

When Katrina hit and our local Red Cross put out a plea for volunteers, I told my husband that it was now or never for me. Surely I could spare a few hours a week to help out. I really didn�t have any idea what help I could give as I walked through the doors of Remington�s, but I quickly learned. I learned not only my responsibilities as volunteer nurse, but of the over-whelming challenge presented to this local chapter. Because of the challenge I rearranged my schedule and a few hours a week became 4-5 days a week for six weeks. I was hooked!

I did not save lives, stamp out disease nor rid the world of pestilence, but what I did do during those six weeks will stay with me forever. The gratitude of the young girl when I told her that I found a physician who would care for her during her pregnancy without concern for payment was unbelievable. All I did to earn this gratitude was make one little phone call. Then there was the young couple with children ages 4 months, 18 months and 2 � years who left New Orleans with the clothes on their back and in an old unreliable car. They were concerned that we were giving them too much when there were so many others in need. What ever we did: give out blood glucose testing kits, make arrangements for medications, VA visits, eye exams, dental care, physician visits, first aide or just listen to their stories was answered with gratitude, tears and hugs.

By being a Red Cross volunteer, you give so little and get so much in return; it kind of makes you feel a little guilty.

Joan Clark