logo
ADVERTISEMENT

Husband decorates entire street for wife’s Christmas joy

"She wanted Christmas, so I'd give it to her. I'd do anything to make her happy."

image
by BBC NEWS

World29 November 2024 - 21:05
ADVERTISEMENT

In Summary


    • His wife, Joan, was diagnosed with Alzheimer's four years ago and since then, her husband, a marine veteran, has focused on creating meaningful memories for her.

Some of the Christmas decorations made by John Reichart/SCREENGRAB

A man in Iowa, United States of America, has decorated his entire street to honour his wife, who loves Christmas.

John Reichart, 74, loves Christmas, but there's something else he loves more: His wife of 53 years, Joan. She was diagnosed with Alzheimer's four years ago, and since then, the Marine veteran has made it his mission to keep making her memories. 

"If it wasn't for my wife, I don't know if I would've done it," Mr Reichart told the BBC's US news partner, CBS.

"But she wanted Christmas, so I'd give it to her. I'd do anything to make her happy."

John Reichart, 74, and his wife of 53 years, Joan/SCREENGRAB

Now there are tons of extra hands on his project, helping set up lights, decorations, and more. A steady stream of admirers are also coming to check out the holiday cheer.

"I think the whole neighborhood feels very blessed to have him in this neighborhood," one neighbor said. 

It's moving," added one spectator. "That's what Christmas is all about." 

Reichart said he can't see himself stopping the tradition now. 

"As long as she's OK," he said. "And even if she would pass, I'm going to do it in her memory as long as I can do it." 

Joan said that she's loved the holiday spirit her husband has brought to the neighborhood.

"I didn't know what to think," Joan said. "But I'm glad he did it. I love him." 

To thank Reichart and celebrate Joan, his neighbors have set up a P.O. Box to receive Christmas cards. They'll give the cards to Reichart to read them to his wife. 

Related Articles

ADVERTISEMENT

logo© The Star 2024. All rights reserved