At 94 years old, George Thompson found a creative way to combat his loneliness following the passing of his beloved wife, Alice. After 66 years of marriage, Alice succumbed to cancer just days before their anniversary last April, leaving George enveloped in silence. “You can’t really grasp how it feels,” he shared with local news outlet WXYZ. “I found myself crying a lot because she’s no longer here.”
A Splash of Joy
To fill the void, George decided to make a splash—literally. With their three adult children grown and no grandchildren, he constructed a massive in-ground pool in his backyard, opening it up to all the neighborhood kids. “I knew they’d come,” he remarked confidently.
This wasn’t just any pool; it measures 32 feet in length with a deep end reaching 9 feet, complete with a diving board. In a community lacking a public swimming facility, George’s generosity has provided local children with a safe and fun way to enjoy the summer heat. Initially, some neighbors were skeptical when he first proposed the idea, including Lisa Green, who has four kids. “I thought he was joking,” she said. However, when she saw him marking the yard for construction, she realized he was serious. The pool opened in July and has since become a popular spot for families.
Spreading Joy in the Community
“It’s a way for him to spread joy in our community,” Lisa noted. George maintains a rule that children must be accompanied by an adult while using the pool, but he often finds himself lounging nearby, taking pleasure in the laughter and splashes that fill the air. “I’m not just sitting around staring at the walls,” he said. “What better way to enjoy my afternoons than to have kids over?”
Creating Your Own Joyful Environment
If you’re curious about creating your own joyful environment, check out this link for some great insights. Additionally, for anyone considering the journey of parenthood, the CDC serves as an excellent resource.
Conclusion
In summary, George Thompson’s heartfelt decision to build a neighborhood pool after the loss of his wife has not only filled his life with laughter but has also brought joy to the entire community.
Keyphrase: “neighborhood pool”
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