Sometimes the Payoff Takes Years

Driving down Maple Valley Highway each day makes me smile. In fact, I can say daily it brings a double smile to my face. In the morning when I proceed towards my daughter’s school located just off this highway, and in the late afternoon when I return and get a clear look at my surroundings. Sure, the sightings of joggers and walkers along the Cedar River trail, dogs running at full speed chasing balls in Ron Regis park, or athletic teams running through their drills in the nearby field … all add to the joy but one site stands out at the top of my list. It is the recently renovated Wonderland Estates trailer park that makes my heart sing and fill with pride.

In 2007 this same drive presented a different picture each day. What was  spotted daily at various times were a variety of senior citizens standing near the trailer park hoisting signs which read “help save our homes.” I wasn’t sure what this meant, but after several days of observing this I decided to inquire in to what was going on. A call to the front office informed me the property owner had decided to sell, and the residents were seeking help to raise the millions of dollars being sought. I almost choked when I learned they were trying to meet a 12 million dollar asking price. Unsure of how much I could assist, I decided to do what I could.  When I looked at the seniors standing on the side of the road I realized that could easily be my father in a similar situation because he looked to be in the same age range, and was a senior citizen living on a tight fixed income.

My young daughter and I visited the facility the following week for a pancake breakfast fundraiser. Upon entering the room, we were immediately greeted by numerous residents who informed us of their struggles, what they wanted to do, and gave us a history lesson on various individuals throughout the room. Love could be felt amongst the crowd. These weren’t just residents, this was a family. I also shared with them that I had recently learned one of my “church family members” resided at the Wonderland Estates as well.  Listening intently I heard heartbreaking stories of what was happening to many of the residents that
called this location home and had for many years. Many believed this would be
their last place of residence. Stories were brought to the forefront about individuals
living at the facility that most people would probably never hear about. I
pulled out my pen to begin taking notes and asked how I could help. “Anything
you can do to demonstrate your support helps us,” was the response I heard
repeatedly. Thinking about this subject momentarily I decided one of the most
powerful tools one can have is the power that comes with a pen. Departing the
fundraiser breakfast with a full belly and fun memories on my heart I knew
exactly what to do, and returning home I made a list of names I knew could
assist in inching me a step closer towards reaching my goal.

My goal became connecting with a group of individuals who understood the power of words, embraced compassion, could work with speed, and wanted to apply their efforts towards a good cause. Within days articles about Wonderland Estates were written by several business associates I had reached out to and presented in local newspapers, stories emerged on local news stations and on various blogs as well. Each call I had made ended with these words “please take a look this is news worth reporting.” Joint efforts made more individuals aware of what was happening around them and what was being done. People heard the tale of a woman in her early seventies caring for her elderly wheel-chair
bound mother in her nineties that resided in the trailer park. They learned
that fear had caused some residents to leave their homes, while others sold theirs
for a dollar unsure of what else to do. Was there another place to take their
trailer? Many of the remaining parks were full or closing. Several residents
couldn’t handle the situation and died from the stress. The public learned of
this reality, they heard it all.

Now, six years later as I observe the sign announcing Wonderland Estates:  view the newly painted building, and freshly paved roads running throughout the trailer park, I admire this wholesome picture. Evident no longer are the signs of a worn
building, damaged road, or flooding from nights of heavy rain. Stories of new
residents moving in have been reported in local papers. I smile widely when I
hear the news. I, in no way claim to be responsible for this magic. That comes
from power beyond me, but I have become educated. This triumph is a reminder
that it never matters the size of your contribution to a puzzle, but the
connection you make to other individual pieces that can assist in presenting a
nice new picture in the end for all.