Habitat for Humanity of Walton Co., with assistance from Christ the King, Simple Faith, Seaside Chapel, St. Rita's Point Washington, Lowes of Defuniak Springs, Evans Carpet, Inner Solutions,Insul 8, Porath & Ass., Southern Aire, Taylor A/C & Electrical, Those who donate to Restore, The Walton Sun, Waste Mgmt, City of DeFuniak, and many more companies and individuals came together to hold a family together and dedicate a new home.

While we were scurrying around trying to find that special present for Christmas, there was a family about to be evicted. Why? There were too many of them sharing an apartment. It was just business. You know, a new owner saying 10 people in a three bedroom apartment was just not acceptable! Not acceptable; just business.

Larry Alden and Jessica Welsh fell in love when Larry was in the Army and started a family. After two years he transferred to the Marine Corps at Paris Island. First there was Devan(10), then Mason(8), Tyler (7), McKenzie (5), Michael and Gabriel(3), Ethan (2) and Nikolas (1). Working in his fathers business and struggling with not only eight children, but Michael (3) breathing problems (cystic fibrosis) which requires 24/7 monitoring.

While spending time with Larry, I found out he was my youngest son's age thirty-one. Here is a young man and woman, who could just as easily said; "the heck with it", split the family up, and left everything to society to deal with. NO: They stepped up to the plate, accepted responsibility and kept a family together. Yes, it is difficult; yes, there are ten of them; and yes, they are grateful to have each other and enjoy life...isn't this what its all about.

I looked across the room as the dedication took place. There were many familiar and unfamiliar faces. This wasn't about me or my ego, this was about a community coming together and providing a base foundation for a family of ten to stay together. It was, and is that simple. There were people from all walks of life who came together for one purpose...to try and keep a family unit together...and it worked beautifully.

Let me tell you, when a father wears a hat to cover a Mohawk hairdo because he thinks it will offend someone and he is covered in tattoos from his youth and military career; he is grateful his own community pulls together to help his family, there is no greater achievement or accomplishment for any community. No one was judging how the family looked, how the family was surviving, how they loved their little Michael who was struggling; The entire family all had smiles on their faces; were running around the house and enjoying being a family together.

The Habitat folks, Michael Granberry directing the project, and all of his wonderful, talented, volunteers crawled through windows to finish six stacked bunk beds, worked around the occupants of the house and completed the project not on time, but within the time allotted to get the family in their new home. Even the old apartment management refused to move them out until the house was ready, putting their necks on the line. Many people pulled together to accomplish this phenomenal project. There were prayers, there were joining of hands in a circle to bless the home and last, but not least there was a cake to celebrate the whole occasion. Ladies were first, all of the young men waited their turn and it was an orderly function. Can you imagine raising eight children? I am a Grandfather and can spoil my grand-children and then give them back to my son and his wife; that's only two! God Bless the young; they have the energy for sleepless nights, sick children, crying and bad dreams. God Bless this family who have chosen to tough it out. Who have love and commitment to beat the odds...but most of all...have a community which shares with them...against the odds.

What a wonderful feeling to help a deserving family; holding up against all odds...a committed family more important than everything in the world. This is where Jesus wants us to put our effort. For those who need to be fed, clothed, sheltered and loved.

For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son, to show the way. To help those who cannot help themselves. When we think back about how Jesus said; When you were hungry, I fed you and when you; were in prison, I gave you hope; and when you were thirsty, I gave you drink; and when you were lost in the wilderness, I showed you the way.

Let us not comment on how things should have been but what we can do to help them be better. No lectures need to be given of what should have been, but instead how can we help now and in the final analysis, judge not unless ye be judged. This writer is just an observer of a fantastic happing of a community coming together to help keep a family together...is there any better effort to expend energy to assist those who are trying? I am proud of this community coming to the aid of such a very deserving family.

But folks, there are even more out there. I would challenge everyone reading this article. Get involved, don't sit back and comment. Get involved and change our community and the world. We are living in the most exciting time of history. Never before have we enjoyed; the best life has to give. Believe me, you cannot take it with you. When you see children running through a home they call there own, it will warm the cockles of your heart...you don't know what a cockle is? Try helping someone and you will know exactly what I mean. I want to thank the multitudes who have been involved in this project. It has taken an entire community to achieve this one act of love and there are many other stories to fulfill. Step up to the plate, grab a bat and swing at the ball. You may not hit a home run, but if you just get on base, what a thrill of being in the action and participating in such a great opportunity.

You will never be sorry for being in the game and besides, you may get a great big smile and a hug from the other players!

J.Michael Sammons is a Muse of 30-A and contributes his time to explore the wonderment of Walton County. He is a substitute Teacher in Walton County and a Real Estate Agent with Coldwell Banker United. You can read his commentaries on the internet at; 30Aguide.com, Blog at Big Fish in Seagrove. His first book is "The Experimental Kid" is about growing up in the South attending FSU; and he has just collaborated with Michael McCarty on his children's book, "The Boo Bee". You may reach him: james.sammons@cbunited.com