Making a Difference

The Divas were on a short hiatus and now we are back at it with our first customer by referral. This job has the potential of warming all of our hearts. It's a story of a couple in their 70's. The man is an accomplished professional who has recently been diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease. He wants to give his wife the gift of time by hiring the Decorating Divas.

Their whole world has been turned upside down and I mean that literally. She, once an accomplished artist, is now trading paint brushes for transporting her husband by wheelchair to doctor's appointments. Their favorite rugs have been moved to the basement to create space for the wheelchair to have right access.

The glimmer in their eyes is still there but what once was an easy task has become labor. Our goal in this job will be to provide a respite for the lady to include a day bed and office. We will also create a space for guests by moving the art framing room to the main studio and re-purposing items from the home that bring joy and solitude, especially the beloved rock collection.

I realize that this work similar to counseling, will take on many new forms as we enter people's world. I will always remember the soft hands of the gentleman and the way that the lady wrapped her hands around her husbands shoulders. Or the smell of warm cookies wafting through the air from the helper that was brought in for light nursing and household duties.

The thought of having more joy when mentioned was easily received by the lady who was holding back her tears. She clearly is exhausted and while quite tidy in her own right you can tell that her world feels narrow and the chasm still large.

I don't take for granted that what we do matters and if we have the chance to give people time together then it is a job worth doing!