“Wow. That’s incredible. I don’t have that same vision. I need to look at pictures for inspiration. Not that I’ve had a place to renovate before. I mean, for accents and decorations.”
“I’ve done so many renos. I have an idea of what people want or don’t want, but no idea of what I want.” He turned on the stove and poured the mix into the pan.
“Hmm.” I wasn’t sure what to tell him. “I guess it would make sense to finish the bathrooms first and do the kitchen last?”
“Makes sense. If you’re around, I might cook more.” He winked before turning to the stove to check the pancakes.
I considered the space and the view of the water from the kitchen since he’d knocked down the adjoining wall. “Maybe bright white cabinets. They’re clean and will open up the room even more.”
Cade flipped the pancakes before turning to brace his hands on the island counter. “I like that.”
I didn’t know if I’d overreached in suggesting it, but he hadn’t seemed to mind. I wouldn’t be surprised if he chose white.
We ate quickly before stopping at my apartment so that I could change.
When we were on our way to the family’s home, Cade told me about the family’s needs. “Their son was injured last year when a large branch fell on his head. He suffered brain damage and isn’t able to speak or walk.”
“That’s heartbreaking. I can’t even imagine.” I mentally prepared myself, so I wouldn’t get upset when I met him.
“He’s the cutest little kid with blue eyes and spiked blond hair. When they submitted their request, I didn’t even have to think twice about it. I wanted a home that would make it easier for the parents to maneuver his chair around. We widened doorways and lowered countertops. We also added an in-law suite because the grandparents are moving in to help with his care.”
“I know I’ve said it before, but what you’re doing is amazing. Are you paying for all of the work or you set up to receive donations too?”
“At first, I was paying for everything out of my pocket, but Nolan started a website where we could post the family’s stories with before and after pics. I always ask the family before I post any before and after pics. Some prefer privacy. The pictures helped spread the word.”
“It’s a feel-good story that people can get behind.” Although, most of the people I’d grown up around would prefer to donate for the accolades and didn’t care to see the results of their donations.
“Exactly. Sometimes people receive grants from other charities who raise money or even from the state and we use those funds in the renovation.”
That was interesting. “Maybe you could partner with a charity that raises the money so that you can focus on renovations.”
“I’ve thought about it. At first, I wasn’t sure if I would continue to do this, but I love it. Each time we meet with a family and come up with a plan, the family is so excited and happy to have someone doing something for them. Sometimes, they don’t even know what they want or need and we research it for them. We’ll talk to their therapists and doctors and develop a plan.”
“I didn’t realize so much went into it.” He went above and beyond to ensure these families were set for years to come.
“I try to anticipate what they’ll need, so they’re not frustrated with the space. I want it to work for them.”
We pulled down a long driveaway to a rancher and parked behind a truck. There was a large black van parked to the left of the truck.
“This house is all one floor which is perfect for this family. We added the in-law suite, but it’s separate from the house.” He pointed to the right of the home where there was a new addition, joined to the main house by a screened-in porch.
“Is this the first time the family has seen the finishing touches?” I asked as Nolan got out of the truck in front of us and made his way to ours.
“They haven’t been here since we visited the first time and went over their needs and wants.”
Nolan leaned down to talk through Cade’s open window. “You ready for the big reveal?”
“Yes, I’m so excited to see their reaction.” I hadn’t even seen the house or met the family, but I was confident they’d be ecstatic with their new home.
Nolan stepped back and opened Cade’s door. “Let’s go, then.”
“Do you help with the renovations too?” I asked Nolan as I rounded the hood to meet them.
“I do when I have time between jobs. I’m hoping to go into business with this guy and I’ll have more time for these kinds of projects.”
Before I could respond, Cade held his hand out to a blonde woman in her late thirties. “Thank you for meeting us this morning, Mrs. Wallen. This is my girlfriend, Hadley, and you met my brother, Nolan.”
“Nice to meet you. We’re so excited to see what you’ve done.” A man with a receding hairline rounded the van and placed his arm around her. There was excitement in their eyes but sadness too.
“This is my husband, Ned Wallen.”
“Nice to meet you. I hope it’s okay that I’m here today too.”
“Of course. I don’t mind. Let me get Kai out of the van and we can go inside.”
“Do you need any help?” Cade asked.
Mr. Wallen opened the side door to lower the ramp for the wheelchair. “No. Thank you. We’ve got this.”
“I’ll go unlock the front door.” Nolan walked on the sidewalk leading to the porch and front
