Jewel Harris called and said he was looking for work. I asked around and was told he offered me a pretty good price.

It was so big it had trees going on it.

But, we didn't know how much it would cost (in total). The guys in the yard thought it would cost about $40,000 to $50,000.

I want to come back to work and do what I've always done. I feel I've earned that right. I have clearance from my doctor.

I want to thank Freddie Mac, Hibernia Bank, and Usher's New Look Foundation for their work to rebuild the lives of those who lost homes to Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. We are all partners in this rebuilding effort, ... I hope that their work will inspire others to join together in partnership to keep real the great American ideal of homeownership for those who lost their homes as well as those who have never had a home. Thank you for giving the heart a place to call home.

It didn't work as well as we hoped it would.