Man with only months to live wanted to repaint house in his wife's favorite color — then, a dozen people showed up at his doorstep
Receiving a life-ending diagnosis is a heartbreaking moment. No comfort can heal the broken heart that learns that a loved one is not going to make it. Tim Gjoraas received the devastating news that his cancer was winning its battle in July 2020, per CNN. The teacher from Sioux Falls, South Dakota, shared in a post that he received news that he had only a few months to live. Amid figuring out how to spend the rest of his months, the man decided to do something for his wife, Lisa. He wanted to paint his home of 20 years from brown to blue. When he shared the idea with his friend, Doug Rinken, the man stepped up with a brilliant plan to make it happen.
In his post, Gjoraas mentioned that he had taught for 22 years at Washington High School and was retiring to spend his last few months with his family. “They did give me a time frame and I will just tell you all it is not enough! Don’t waste your time with the ones you love! I love you all and thank all of you for everything!” he wrote. Amid his plans with his family, the man decided that he wanted to repaint his home and what better color than that of his wife’s favorite — blue. He met with Rinken and asked him if he could help with it. “I just asked him if next summer, which I probably won’t be here for, if he can paint it for my wife,” Gjoraas recalled.
Rinken was undoubtedly heartbroken to hear the news about his friend. “You want to help in any way you can, but you know that whatever you do, it isn’t going to be enough,” he remarked, per Argus Leader. However, he took it upon himself to ensure that this simple mission, which had become one of his friend’s last wishes and dreams, was fulfilled while he was still here. He called up fellow teachers and friends, asking for their shared support to make this happen. “Even this, what we’re doing, isn’t going to change anything, but I just hope it makes him feel a little more comfortable. It may make us feel a little better, too,” he added.
The entire group showed up at his door, ready to make his home new. While some shared funds, others joined to help paint, and still more helped in littlest ways to contribute and show their love. It took them all around half a day to finish the job, during which they shared memories, stories, hopes and more. Gjoraas shared a post of all his “warriors” in action. He wrote, “Today I was extremely humbled once again! I was also reminded that it is always a great day to be a warrior! So many warrior friends and family came over and painted our house today! I love you all so much.”
Along with seeing his dream fulfilled, the man also found a family in his friends, coworkers, well-wishers and loved ones. A few months later, towards the end of January 2021, Gjoraas passed away. His wife shared the post and wrote, “This morning, Tim passed away peacefully. His family and I want to thank everyone for their support and love. We are relieved Tim is no longer in pain. It will be very hard to live without him, though.” However, the family has been coping as best as possible, with love from the community and a message from Gjoraas — "If you spend your life being a good person, trying to make a positive impact on your community, if you need something, people show up."