Bridgeport, Connecticut: At 5:55 pm the bus moved and one, two, three family members hit the pavement, while the fourth did a back flip. It could be the hardest I have cried in the five seasons of the show — well, happy tears that is. It was the kind of cry where I couldn't breathe, where I didn't even realize that tears were streaming down my face until I noticed my shirt was wet. And just when I started to feel self-conscious about my sobs, I looked to my left and looked to my right and noticed the entire crowd crying with me. Michael stood to my right, tears streaming down his face as well. To be there, on that small street in a small town in Connecticut, the energy was palpable. We all felt the happiness of this one amazing family as they first viewed the rest of their lives and the continuation of their dreams.
The Brown family has been through a lot — probably more than most of us will ever experience in our lifetime. When most people would be complaining about what they've been through, this family turned their pain around. They continue to help the community, be active in their church and encourage everyone around them. They even have a weekly radio show to help the youth in their community. We knew we had to help.
Ty, Michael, Eduardo, Johnny and I all headed out to the East Coast to meet the Brown family: Gloria, Bobbi, Freddy and Janae. We meet amazing families but this family was truly amazing in every sense of the word. Each family member is special and thinks so much bigger than him- or herself. Gloria is an incredible mom, and she has done an awesome job raising these three kids.
My project was Janae's room. This room was among my top-five favorite rooms I have ever done. Janae is a total diva in the best sense of the word: fashionable, knows what she wants, has attitude, and is very strong and resolute. She also wants to be a lawyer when she grows up. She is so smart and determined to attain what she has set out to accomplish. I have no doubt that whatever she puts her mind to, she will indeed achieve. Since she was a little bit of both lawyer and diva, that's the room that she got — a cross between the two. Actually, it was more of a convertible room — parts of the entire room converted right before your very eyes. But how? You'll have to watch for that. I love this girl and hope to stay in contact with her throughout the years as she one day becomes the lawyer she wants to be.
This was a very difficult build, and at times we wondered if we would make it in seven days. But Steve and Michael Gulick of Gulick Associates, our builders, were awesome! It was so great to see a family business help another family. These brothers have been in business together for years and years, and seeing them bring the rest of their family together to build this home for the Brown family was both inspiring and heartwarming. Plus, they took on quite a challenge — a Victorian-style home — complete with all the tiny details and trimmings that make that style so beautiful.
My favorite part of the week, which you don't get to see on television, was when Michael and I got a chance to take over Bobbi's radio show. We met "TQ," Bobbi's partner, and for one hour we got to help the youth of Bridgeport as they called in and asked questions. We also used that opportunity to put the word out to get help for our build. But aside from that, it was just amazing to witness what Bobbi does every single week. She definitely thinks beyond herself to a greater purpose — always thinking about how she can help others. It really makes me think: "What am I doing beyond myself?" Am I making a difference?
|
