Construction Journal: The Reveal

Dawn:The day dawned cloudy.  The home and non-profit center were complete, the fresh paint vivid and true.  Outside, a dozen or so blue-shirted workers bent to touch up landscaping and rake new mulch.  Lights were on in several rooms, as show designers continued with the final placement of accessories for the family’s homecoming.  The front door opened occasionally for a designer or ABC crew member.  A sign had been fitted overnight, and hung high on the front of the non-profit center.  It read simply: Sadie Holmes Help Service.

Everything was nearly ready.

Spectators lined the fence three and four deep, some seemingly in place well before the 8 a.m. opening of the spectator area.   Streets were blocked off.  Knots of ABC crew stood in the road way, presumably discussing the day’s shooting schedule, some gesturing down the street to the likely approach route of the family.  Mercedes Homes’ staff and guests continued to arrive and everyone asked the same question – “What time is the family coming home?”  Voices were loud.  Gone were the huge noisy trucks and pounding construction equipment, but excitement and anticipation drove the volume up, conversation raised over the sound of several thousand voices.   

The morning dragged as everyone waited.  Word spread that the family’s arrival time was scheduled for “anywhere from noon to three.”  Spectators continued to stream into the fenced lot across from the build.  Home made signs proclaimed, “Welcome Home” and “In God’s hands.” Staff and crew moved behind metal fence barriers which now lined the entire street.  A cheer went up as rack after rack of brand new clothing donated by Bealls Department Store was wheeled in to the non-profit center.

Everything was now ready.

Noon:
Bus motors were heard and all eyes turned to watch two, blue, double-decker Disney buses arrive on the set.   Through a megaphone, the call went out for volunteers and remaining workers to board the buses, and soon all the seats were filled with excited passengers in blue Extreme Makeover shirts.  In their hands were long-stemmed sunflowers with which to greet Sadie.  Assorted Disney characters came skipping down the road: Chip and Dale, Pluto, Goofy, Donald Duck and of course, Mickey and Minnie Mouse.  They took up their positions on the buses and the Hollywood magic began.  Ty Pennington greeted the crowd and ABC prepared the onlookers and participants for what would happen next.

 A black stretch limousine was spotted at the end of the street.  Cameramen and the ABC crew moved quickly, some speaking into radios strapped to their chests.  The limo drove slowly past the spectator area, where thousands cheered and waved sunflowers.  The moment was finally here.  The limousine rolled to a stop in front of the two double-decker buses, blocking any view the family might have of what was behind.  The buses were positioned end to end and overflowing with workers who had given so much over the past week.  The shiny limo door swung open and a beaming Sadie Holmes stepped out to greet Ty Pennington and the waiting crowd.  Ty held the door open as each of Sadie’s five children emerged, all smiling but shy.  Sadie was dancing in anticipation, her hands alternately covering her cheeks and reaching skyward.  An onlooker stretched forward to hand her a sunflower and soon her arms held a bouquet of yellow blossoms.  Ty Pennington asked Sadie if she was ready to see her new home.  At her excited nod, the chanting began: “Move those buses!  Move those buses!  Move those buses!”  Every throat took it up and the rhythm slowed to match Ty’s final instruction, “BUS DRIVERS- MOVE-THOSE-BUSES!”     

The engines roared into life and the two buses drove away from each other, parting like a stage curtain to reveal the Holmes’ splendid new home.  Sadie first doubled over at the sight, then jumped and danced with pure joy.  With tears streaming, she pointed at the non-profit center, sunflowers clasped to her heart.  The children stayed close, overcome.  The youngest held tightly to her mother and the family moved as a group.  The cheering was non-stop.  Ty asked Sadie if she would like to thank the builder that made it all possible.  Sadie rushed to Scott Buescher of Mercedes Homes and threw herself into his arms, crying, “Thank you. Thank you so much.  I am so blessed.” 
 
Scott Buescher spoke for everyone at Mercedes Homes and the thousands of exhausted volunteers who had worked to make the moment possible.  He introduced his mother and father to Sadie, then his brothers, sisters, wife and children.  The message was clear and uncomplicated.  This was about families helping families.  Sadie listened, greeted each of the family members in turn and responded with tears of elation and gratitude that went beyond words.  Ty Pennington touched Sadie on the arm and asked if she would like to see the inside of her new home.   Sadie turned and walked with Ty and her family up the brick driveway for the very first time.  Fifty feet from the front door, she took several steps into one of the mulched garden beds, stopping to cradle a fuchsia blossom.  A family member standing nearby in the crowd remarked, “She’s crazy about flowers.”  After a moment, Ty continued to lead the Holmes family toward the front door.  Fifty blue-shirted workers in the side yard yelled, “We love you, Sadie!”  She stopped again and turned to face them, now just a tantalizing few feet from the front door and all the promise it held.  “I love you, too – thank you so much!  God bless you!”

Then, with a camera crew following, Sadie and her children disappeared into their new home. The door closed behind them and the cheering crowd of thousands quieted.  This was the end.  This was a new beginning.