Angel on a motorized scooter

For the last five days, we’ve gotten to know Cheryl and her cousin Julie. Both women will share the 2,500-square-foot home we've worked on all week.

See photos from Ken's trip!

Cheryl is a disabled veteran who now gets around on a motorized scooter because of two accidents. The first accident happened when she was on active duty and fell out of a helicopter during a training exercise several years ago. She fractured one of her legs in 20 places.

A second accident happened several months before Hurricane Katrina when she worked for the VA Hospital. Her powered wheelchair flipped over on top of her because of an uneven surface. Cheryl had to have two pins put in her back. She’d been bedridden just before Katrina hit.

In talking with her this week, Cheryl told me, after the storm that struck just six days before her birthday, it took a while for her to laugh again, but now she’s all smiles.

Cheryl will be the first to say that her story of loss and recovery is one of thousands in the Gulf Coast region. She says her deep faith has gotten her through the tough times. She says every time she looks at the house, she feels blessed.

Cheryl says the property had been in the family for several years but she hadn’t planned on building on it just yet. Hurricane Katrina moved up her plans by about 10-15 years.

Once it’s complete, she plans to open her home to paralyzed veterans as a transitional dwelling until they can make more permanent arrangements. She advocates for paralyzed veterans to anyone who will listen. It’s her life’s work, her passion.

Knowing what Cheryl’s been through, we were all moved by her zest for life, her giving spirit, her natural ability to make you feel like family. She says every new group of volunteers that come through is like welcoming new family members every week.

Julie admitted, though, Friday’s are tough for them. They have to say good-bye to another group of volunteers with whom they’ve formed a lasting bond.

This time it’s us, the team from Avent Ferry United Methodist church. We will miss the big smile that greeted us the week of April 19th, 2009. As you might imagine, there were a lot of hugs, a few happy tears and plenty of well wishes when we said our good-byes.

We came here five days ago as a group of volunteers. We’re leaving as part of Cheryl and Julie’s extended family. Thank you, ladies. We are truly blessed for having been in your presence.