A former customer called last week…

She has had a tough last few years. She has been the main care provider of her husband while he was fighting cancer for several years. Sadly he lost his fight a few months ago.

A couple of years ago we built a cute little cedar gazebo on their deck. I think it was something he wanted to give to her before he was gone. He could have done it himself in better times. He was very handy. He had also done remodeling in their home. He built a beautiful northwoods theme bathroom in their lower level, and he had several other projects going too that he would tackle on his good days. I was impressed considering his situation. …

Fast forward back to the present.

My customer contacted us again to start the ball rolling, on some projects that were being considering back when we built the gazebo. While talking, she indicated she was in need of other things that she felt she needed help with. It was more on the order of household things. Maybe some cleaning organizing etc.

Funny thing. The Artist has been talking about a need she feels is out there to help people organize their homes to improve their quality of life. She likes to be organized and enjoys the challenge of bringing beauty out of messes. In fact she along with a sister-in-law has been doing just that for a woman who owns a farm in Wisconsin. Life stuff had gotten in the way and she needed help in bringing order to her home.

The Artist has had a real sense of fulfillment in doing this. She feels they are being a blessing to the “lady farmer” and the “lady farmer” has been deeply moved by what has been happening. They had connected through a bible study. The newest organizing client was also indirectly connected to me, through a friend of mine that was in a study I was in years ago.

The Artist for sometime now has been wondering how she can make a difference in someones life.

Well, maybe she has found something more important then Applewood Builders, social media, and furniture painting. Not that those are bad. Helping people that for no fault of their own, find themselves in a hard situation, is a special thing. Something you really can’t put a price on. Its something far more valuable then any fee we may charge. It’s making a difference in someone’s life at a time when they need it and maybe when they need it most.

It really is a God thing. 

~The Carpenter

PS I am always asking the Carpenter to write a post! I say.. "there's so much you could write about that happens during your work day. So many interactions with customers and subs and job details." He.. after many years of marriage continues to surprise me with his big heart!