Habitat

Habitat's New Partner Family Named - Congratulations Melissa Strough!

For Melissa Strough and her two children, fairy tales are real.

Just after noon on Friday, Strough was surprised when an average meeting at her place of work, Laclede's Warehouse, was interrupted by a group of people she didn't know. The room became crowded as balloons, candy and strangers poured in. Members of the media were on hand, pens were scribbling furiously and cameras were snapping and flashing all around.

A few at Laclede's knew what was happening.

Strough did not.

Then Mike Baumgartner, president of St. Francis Hospital and chairman of the local Habitat for Humanity organization, began to speak to those present.

He told Strough that she had been selected as the Habitat's 2007 homeowner family.

Imagine, going to work, a routine day, and then out of nowhere someone tells you that you're going to get a house. Not only that, but they're going to help you build it.

At first nothing.

For a few hanging seconds, shock played across her face.

Her hands went to her mouth.

A barely audible gasp.

Then a smile stretched across her face as the reality of what she had just been told began to sink in.

And while it was still a few moments before she was able to express her thanks — before she was able to put into words the flood of emotions and thoughts coursing through her — the tears silently coursing down her cheeks said it all.

Her dream was coming true. Her family was going to get their own house, their own home.

When she could finally bring herself to speak, her gratitude was choked by her joy.

"I didn't know," Strough said. "I had no idea. I've just been hoping."

Strough applied to the Habitat for Humanity homeowner selection process in November, and she already has land that she purchased last year near Pickering, where the house will be built.

Baumgartner said the selection process is fairly in-depth. Those interested in being considered for a Habitat home fill out a four- to five-page application. The selection committee also visits candidates' homes, and recommendations are made to the Habitat board based on a balance of those things. The board then makes the final decision.

Rex Brod, a representative of the local Habitat for Humanity, was also on hand to surprise Strough with her good news.

While waiting outside of Laclede's, just before everyone went inside to tell her she was getting a new house, Brod talked of the board's selection of Strough as the 2007 Habitat homeowner.

"She was very determined and she's done everything we've asked her to," Brod said. "She's a very ambitious young lady."

So what was the first thing Strough was going to do after receiving her Publisher's Clearing House-like surprise?

Tell her children.

"This is just so much for my kids," Strough said.

Strough and her small family have been living with her parents and she said her children, Lexus and Justin, have been looking forward to their own place to stay. And, of course, for animals and pets to roam their own property.

This will be the fourth home the local Habitat for Humanity organization has built in the area — one each year for the last four successive years — and those who work with habitat are looking forward to it.

"It's wonderful to be part of a faith-based organization," Baumgartner said. "Seeing Melissa's tears of joy make the work of building a new home all worth while."

After Strough signs several papers and all of the legalities are out of the way, construction on the new home could begin in as little as 30-60 days. And weather permitting, the home could be finished in about 12 weeks.

The house will be built by volunteers, and as part of the understanding with Habitat for Humanity, Strough will help build her own home; but the hard work to come isn't daunting to her in the least.

"It'll be worth it," she said. "I am excited. It means a lot to me. I've been through so much this last year."

And the moral of the story? You're never too old to hold onto hope. Life should never be so overwhelming that you stop trying, that you stop believing, that you stop holding out for your dreams and reaching for your own fairy tale.

Just ask Strough and her family.

Maybe you have to grow up, but you can still believe in your happily ever after.

It may have taken a while, and it may have been a difficult road, but thanks to the goodness of others and Habitat for Humanity, Strough is going to have her own home.

And that little princess that exists in all little girls? Well, she's finally going to get her castle.

Artcile by The Maryville Daily Forum

Published: Sunday, March 25, 2007 11:29 PM CDT

By: John Ludwig