In January 2021, Gean LeVar of Glendale, Arizona, went through the worst experience of her life. She lost her home and her husband of 58 years—all in one day. When the police entered her home, they discovered such awful living conditions that they were forced to condemn the house. Worse, the widow had no children or family to turn to.
Gean’s neighbor, Carmen Silva, barely knew Gean when she learned about her plight. However, she didn’t see that as a reason not to help her in this great time of need.“I told her, ‘Don’t worry Gean, we’re going to fix it,’” she told CBS News. The Silvas live in a small three-bedroom house with eight children. But no matter how cramped they already were, they gladly made room for one more!
Carmen’s sons gave up their bed to sleep on the couch, so their new adopted grandmother will have a comfortable place to sleep.“She looks very happy, and I believe it’s because she has a whole family now,” she said. Some might say Carmen took being neighborly to the extreme, but she doesn’t see it that way. “I’ve always taught my kids to take care of their elders,” she said.
Gean said her new family “means everything.” CBS News shared Gean’s story on its official Facebook page, and many were touched by how the whole Silva family stepped up for their neighbor. Here are some of their comments:“People who have less are always the most giving.” “This is the best. I love the family and kids to gave up so much for this elderly person. They should get a new home to fit all the kids. God bless them.”
“This is what it all boils down to. Compassion is a lovely thing. “Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself!” After the Silvas took her in, her story was heard by a nonprofit organization called “Operating Enduring Gratitude,” which assists Arizona veterans and their families. “There are resources in place to assist the majority of veterans, but some fall through the cracks.” “This one fell through the crack,” said Army veteran Charlie Ellis, the organization’s Founder and CEO.
Gean’s late husband, Thomas, was a Navy veteran who served two years as a payload specialist in the Navy, so volunteers worked tirelessly to renovate the dilapidated house. “He was always very proud of his service,” Gean said. During the reveal, flags were placed along the front lawn of Gean’s newly renovated home. The house, which was built in the 1950s, took 18 months of hard work by nearly 200 volunteers, including students, veterans, and those connected to the veteran community.
“We’re all coming together to do one thing: make someone’s life complete,” said one volunteer. Gean smiled as she walked through her newly rebuilt home. She stated that she is most looking forward to cooking in her new kitchen. “Oh, I think it’s fantastic,” she exclaimed. “We’ve updated the electrical.” We have showers she can enter. “Wonderful,” Charlie exclaimed.
“People who care about our veteran community are all here today.” To be a part of the love. It’s their turn. Their kindness.”Gean’s house is no longer condemned, and she intends to share it with none other than the Silvas, who gave her a home when she needed one. Visit their website to learn more about Operation Enduring Gratitude. To learn more about this touching story, watch the video below.