I had a very contented life, running a business, having time with family, church and friends.

Devastation changed that - 11 feet of toxic water and $1 million damage to my business.

Work and family were forced to mix. Ten people came to the house each morning to run the business out of our basement for six months. Helping at church became reversed as church and friends rushed in to aid our recovery.

My life - and the lives of thousands of others - was totally changed by the fifth worst disaster in our country’s history.

The heartache: 20 years of building a business wiped out. Not being able to escape work by having it in your basement. The apprehension on the faces of family and employees of an uncertain future.

Knowing you will never be able to repay so many people for all their kindness to the degree they deserve is so frustrating. Starting over with $900,000 of new debt completely changes your future plans.

But you never have to look far for someone who has real problems, which makes yours pale in comparison.

So, you bite the bullet, as best you can and help others.

I lend a hand as president of the Cedar Rapids Small Business Recovery Group; by co-chairing the local-option sales tax campaign; by chairing the flood subcommittee at the Chamber of Commerce.

Helping others compensates for your individual pain. I owe so many and am working hard to give something back by helping my community. Look for someone to help. You can make a difference.