If you watched Extreme Makeover Home Edition last night, you were in my neck of the woods. After watching this show forever, it seemed surreal to watch it with such familiarity. With pre and post shows last night, you got a sense of what happens when EMHE comes into a town. The Stockdale's started the day with a showing of the documentary made by the builder to showcase the volunteers and ended with tour with the local news people in their home for most of the evening. Speaking of builders, Corey Barton certainly made an entrance - hope America doesn't hold that against Idaho.
Ty's show covered the high points of the new home. The Hoedown that raised money for the family the night before the reveal, wasn't featured but that is ok - those of us there will not forget. The show also ended with the kids eating in the kitchen, leaving a sweet memory for the viewers. The truth is the kids are back on formula. They have never used the dining room - they spent Thanksgiving sledding so that food would not be an issue for the kids. The parents have to eat outside of the sight of the kids, Mom in the pantry and dad, in his car.The refrigerator has a lock on it, up high, so the kids can't get in. EMHE doesn't fix everything and shouldn't be expected to. The dad has had someone pick up the tab for his schooling but as the news reported, they have still have a mortgage and higher utility bills. A friend said she hopes the community is still helping - I am not so sure, hope she is right.
They had vandals throw pumpkins at the house on Halloween and broke a window. They have been asked for money - people think they are rich, that is not the case. I understand that one of the boys has already been a recipent of a Make A Wish gift. Life will never be easy for the Stockdales.
After the hoedown, the night before the reveal, we headed out to the house. It was just after 9PM and as we walked in, the sun was getting ready for bed. We watched as they moved the family piano back in the house. In about 18 hours, the family would be home and see what all of us had already seen. Now with the final reveal, they can move on. The final chapter on this life-changing event. Thanks for sharing with all of us and we send you on the next leg of your journey with all our prayers. Bless you all...
