Homeowner Impact

Excerpts from an Oral History Project by Emily Moore

The Oral History Project connects high school students with Rebuilding Together’s senior clients to foster intergenerational connections and provide volunteers with a better understanding of the people they are serving.

As I walk up the stairs to the Taylors’ house, I already see Mrs. Taylor seated by the door waiting for my arrival. She greets me warmly and leads me through her living room past her husband, Mr. Taylor, who is watching a sports game on TV. Before we even begin talking, it is clear to me that Mrs. Taylor has trouble walking and moving around.

Mrs. Taylor begins by telling me that she was born in New Orleans in 1931. It just so happens that her birthday is tomorrow! She tells me that she is going to spend part of her birthday cooking for some people. It becomes clear to me already how much she gives back to her communitSyh. e comments on the irony of the fact that she has given so much to others, yet when she began needing help herself, she couldn’t and it anywhere. That is until she found Rebuilding Together, which she describes as a real blessing and a life saver.

I was very interested to hear what such an inspiring person had to say about the world we live in today. Mrs. Taylor told me that she was unhappy with the way people were moving too fast, and didn’t seem to have a sense of responsibility anymore. She left me with the advice: “slow down and smell the roses while the aroma is going by… Life is sweet ”