It has been a big week for our little community. The Bird’s Healing Home is done. The joy Jackie Culley and her team have generated is off the charts. The reveal happened Saturday, June 14, and was better than any HGTV episode I’ve ever watched. I have followed the

“briestrongerthancancer” Instagram posts for a while and from what I can see there has been a lot of joy in the journey, not just at the reveal. 

When I first heard that the Christmas for Cancer Families* was building a home for the Bird family my initial reaction was, “That’s great, but what about all the other families who have to deal with heartbreak?” Then, I thought again and realized Jackie and team couldn’t address every unfortunate situation, but they were willing to do good here and now. I’ve watched this project give a beautiful family something to look forward to while struggling with an impossibly difficult situation. Brielle has danced and thousands have danced for her. She sang in the school talent show and was a winner in the Welsh Festival Art Contest. She has moved forward in a brave and giving way while battling a disease that has sapped her energy and made her so very sick. How has she managed? Medical support, family strength and a host of angels in this world and out of this world have all helped, along with a project that has brought her family and our community joy.

People have been brought together with purpose and love.  Brielle is not the only winner here. Builders, electricians, plumbers, designers, painters, landscapers, excavators and about a thousand others have answered the call and networked with other “givers.” That’s powerful. Personally, I’ve made note of these good people and their companies as I’ve been inspired by them. 

So, we have been able to witness a miracle. The house is great, but the miracle is the people. A family willing to be vulnerable and a host of people willing to support have shown us all The Good Life. Thank you, Jackie Culley, for taking on a project so big that I’m sure you wondered, “How?” more than once. Riley’s legacy lives on and your Good Life journey continues! I hope we all got the message…to listen and act.

See *christmasforcancerfamilies on Instagram which documents the project.