Some days – weeks, months, years – are harder than others, but knowing you have someone to rely on for help changes things.
Sherri and her husband Carl have been Gwinnett residents since 1992 and have lived in their home since 2003. Retired from ministry in missions and the pastorate, this couple had been active – with Carl easily managing his home repair needs – for decades.
But the same year they moved into their current home, Carl was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease.
“Recently, Carl has increasing problems with mobility and balance; he must use a walker to be mobile,” Sherri said. “All his lifetime, until recent years, Carl had been able to repair and manage almost everything around the house. But with his disability, and in this season of life at age 81, he is very limited.”
As the disease gradually took over more of his physical abilities, the couple realized they needed help in order to keep their home safe and usable. Due to Carl’s reliance on a walker, it became clear that a wheelchair ramp with handrails was the answer.
Knowing that wheelchair ramps and handrails are very specialized and must be configured for each individual home, Sherri reached out to Home Repairs.
“We’ve been active members of Perimeter Church since 1980,” Sherri said, “and we have many friends who have been actively involved as volunteers in Home Repairs Ministries.”
And their friends didn’t let them down.
“I called the Home Repairs office to tell them of our need, and within days Bill Isaak came to our home to talk through things, design and measure the area,” she said. “Then he was able to go and order materials.”
It wasn’t long before Carl and Sherri got the ramp they needed.
“Within the month, on a pretty day, there were four men with great attitudes at our door – ready with materials and tools to work on it. They had the whole ramp completed in about four hours,” Sherri said. “It looks wonderful, works perfectly and is such a gift to us – for Carl’s safety and his ability to enjoy getting outdoors with his walker.”
During this difficult season, Sherri is grateful to the organization and volunteers who helped give Carl and her some of their lives back.“A simple ‘thank you’ is not adequate for these wonderful men – Bill, Frits, Jason, and John – with their generous hearts and capabilities. They did such a great job. We’ve even had many compliments from visitors who come and tell us how attractive and solid the ramp is – that’s important in a neighborhood with strict [homeowners’ association] covenants,” she said. “Home Repairs is a wonderful ministry with amazing volunteers who bring joy with the work of their hands.”
