Extreme Home Makeover Completed!

I was not a worker on the site. I was not in charge of anything. I didn't paint a room. I didn't move in any furniture. But I was there. I witnessed a house being built in 4 days. I spent this week praying for my husband and my dad. I spent hours in the sun just watching. I observed Wyatt's interest in his father's and grandfather's work. I ran small errands for my Bishop and his daughter. I encouraged the crowd to cheer on the workers. I brought my husband his dinner, and reminded him to take his medicine. And for that, I am mentally, physically, and emotionally exhausted. I can only comprehend a fraction of what my husband, my dad, and any other worker might be feeling tonight. I told Byron, I just feel like crying, that tears are on the verge of bursting. He agreed, exhaustion has brought our emotions to the peak, and it is overwhelming. I could tell you the story of the day chronologically, but I feel compelled to share the moments that touched me the most.

Moments like observing Mr. Cerda look at the house, embrace his family in tears, and then turn to his right, where a group of men and women wearing black shirts stood and applauded him. He took his finger and pointed at those hard working people, and with tears in his eyes, thanked those "black shirts" with absolute gratitude. It wasn't Ty that built that house. He didn't spend 28 hours straight framing the house or come home at 7:30 AM, when he was supposed to be done at 3 AM. It was those "black shirts" and the "blue shirt" workers they brought with them that gave this family a home. I was so proud to see important faces in that crowd of black shirts. My husband, my father, my Bishop, his daughter, our friend. They made this family's dream come true.

I can recall the moments before the bus moved. The family stood right in front of me, and the seconds passed so slowly. This family's life was going to change dramatically, and I could just feel my chest tighten as I watched them. I found myself squealing in anticipation knowing what they would see on the other side of the bus. In past episodes, as the bus moves, the families erupt. They seem to explode and fall in all different directions. This family was different. This family stayed close together. Knees buckled slightly, but heads were bowed, almost reverently, and then tears of joy were shed. It was calm, despite the roaring crowd. There was a peace that rested over this family. It was a moving thing to witness.

On a lighter note, I was privileged to go in the home, with my handsome plumber man as my tour guide. It is beautiful. Stone walls and fireplaces, chocolate wood floors, stainless steel sink and refrigerators, a Kohler bathtub that responds to music, an art/classroom, a bedroom devoted to the Wizard of Oz. In the master bedroom, Ty was putting on the final touches. He thanked Byron for how well it all turned out. I watched as Ty slowly smoothed out the bedding, paying attention to the southwest style embroidery. I was curious if this was Ty's own line of bedding, to which he replied no, and was concerned that Sear's wouldn't be happy about that. And BTW, why do people in Hollywood have to cuss so much? In that 5 second conversation, Ty must have said sh?t to me 3 times! And yet, he was saying it to me, so it was kind of cool.

I may not have helped build the house, but with Byron's great camera in my hand, I was appointed Wright Custom Homes Photographer. Every time I turned around, I was being beckoned to take a picture. It was kind of cool. Just put me in a VIP shirt with a big ol' camera in my hand, and I can go where ever I want. My big job for today was to take pictures of the heads of Wright Custom Homes (all Mormon), rush home, print the pictures, and rush back so the Bishop could put them in Books of Mormon for the family members. Kind of stressed me out, but Byron helped me get a great parking spot when I returned. Before I knew it, I was being asked to take pictures of any group related to the "black shirts." It was fun, and I felt good being able to do something to help.

Other quick memories: Eduardo Xol giving Wyatt a high five on the way back to his trailer. Anjuli being so eager to take Wyatt so I could see the house, even though she was so busy! Witnessing the entire EMHE cast and crew gather together in thier last pow wow for the week and seeing a strong bond within that group. Seeing how well the plumbing fixtures looked and allowing Byron to show them all to me, he had taken pride in the work that was done, and I was proud of him.

Those are the day's moments that mattered the most to me. It wasn't a perfect day. But it was a memorable one. And I'm honored to have had a day like this. Enjoy the pictures.

The "Black Shirts"