Divine Design, a tribute to a very brave family

Once in awhile, the type of project comes along that reminds us of what really matters. It's the kind of project that I dream of and thank God for. Truly. Recently, a childhood friend of mine asked me to help her transform her guest room into a home school room for her little boy. He has been recently diagnosed with leukemia and will need to be at taught at home for his first grade year. I struggled with whether or not to post many details, but wanted to thank so many and ask all of my readers for prayers for Trey and his family. When she asked me, I knew our community would love the chance to help, so I was very vague in my plan/budget for the room. I wanted to surprise this family with a space that would serve as a home school room for Trey and a study space for his third grade sister, Sarah. What happened next is nothing short of a miracle.

This is what I walked into just a couple of weeks ago. She said she wanted help with a paint color, rug and new light fixture. Oh, did I have some ideas. "If you build it, they will come". That's what they say. Matthew 21:22 says "If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer." So Ann and I started praying and we went shopping. Shopping for everything...paint, a rug, a light, a desk, chairs, school supplies, cubbies, art supplies... you get the picture. Basically, we thought of everything you would ever want or need in a school room and we bought it. Blind faith. I didn't worry for a minute, I knew God would provide. And boy did He. My mom mentioned it to her golf group who mentioned it to their email buddies and bridge friends who mentioned it to their daughters and co-workers and Bible study group. Checks started trickling in and yes, just as I thought, every last cent was paid for. On Thursday night, when the family left for a doctor's visit in Chapel Hill, our rallied troops showed up. 

They hung light fixtures... 

And wall paper... painted walls, hung custom book cases and worked well into the night.

The family arrived on Friday to find this...

And some subtle hints...

lead them to this!

Ann had the genius idea of slipcovering this donated chair with a drop cloth and then having the kids' friends leave their handprints. If they ever want to use this chair in a grown up space, they can simply flip the cushions. 

Built-in custom bookcases by Soundside Carpentry flank the large window and are filled with ALL NEW books! The cubbies are filled with educational tools and games.

Ann added monogram artwork for each child.

And the new rug she requested is a great spot for reading or floor puzzles.

 A donated herb garden gives the children something to nurture and care for. Today, when I told Trey he could actually eat the herbs, he said: Really? Yuck. Looks like salad. 

 

A friend of the family made these Origami cranes. Ancient Japanese legend says that these cranes symbolize a long life and recovery from illness. How fitting.

The art center was filled to the brim with supplies and every creative thing we could get our hands on. A local artist donated the "good stuff" and the kids are already working on some projects.

Laura and Ann painted this magnetic chalkboard wall.

Adjustable rolling chairs (sizable for teachers and kids)surround this large work space. They were donated by Triangle Office Supply, one of the many donations from someone who doesn't even know the family! We love our community! We also love the "Jackson" table from World Market.It makes a great desk! 

Art that we dug up from their keepsakes was matted and framed. We used colorful mats and black frames to keep it consistent.

We wanted the space to be just as much Sarah's so personalizing it for her was important.

The gallery wall has room to grow. One of my favorite pieces is Laura's painting of the lion. It's called "Courage". How perfect.

To all of our dear friends and family who contributed to the space in some way, thank you for your prayers, love and support. The family is spending every waking minute in their new room and appreciate you more than you know. 

As for Ann and me, we are so very grateful. 

Bye bye birdie,

A&H

credit to: Elaine Mintz (wallpaper), Chuck Walsh (electrician), John White (Soundside Carpentry), Laura Sykes, and many many friends and family

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Write by: AN - Tuesday, October 9, 2012