While we experienced it from home, hostTy Penningtonwas at the center of it all.
This talented carpenter met multiple people whose stories still affect him to this day.
After all, he was there during some of the hardest moments in these homeowner’s lives.
“You get connected with them,” he told us.
“And it just rips your heart out.”
Over the course of 10 years, there have been many episodes that stick out in his mind.
Yet, there’s one episode in particular that was especially emotional for Pennington.
“I don’t think I’ve ever cried more in my life,” he admitted.
After having a son of their own, the couple had adopted six children from China with special needs.
“I told the mom and the family, ‘Look, we don’t have to do this.
You do not have to share your story with us,'” Pennington explained.
Yet, it was important for the family to be a part of this process.
It was their father’s dream to have a house that could comfortably and safely fit their big family.
Since their father loved music, this carpenter created a custom hutch for him to hold his albums in.
“And then we found out he wasn’t going to be strong enough to come home.”
On the big day, Pennington had a big surprise in store for the family.
Standing in their living room was the legendary Stevie Wonder.
“He started playing ‘I Just Called To Say I Love You,'” Pennington told us.
“And he changed the lyrics so that we could use the song.”
It was an emotional moment for everyone involved, and there wasn’t a dry eye in the house.
“It’s all about someone’s reaction,” Pennington told us.
“That’s the reward.”
