That's what happened last week, when I was fortunate enough to do a story about the Puckett family's near miss at being chosen for what likely will be the last production of ABC's Extreme Makeover: Home Edition.
Susan and Randy Puckett of Davidson have adopted a half-dozen children from the Philippines and raised two biological sons in a small house with one working bathroom on the outskirts of Davidson.
They have sacrificed their own comfort to give comfort — and opportunity — to children who otherwise would have grown up in the same orphanage in the Philippines.
Susan e-mailed comments that didn't make last week's story but deserve to be read. Individually, they represent a look inside an anything but typical family. Collectively, they document the extraordinary effort of one couple to provide an ordinary life for their deserving kids.
"I eagerly come home each day knowing I will be surrounded by love," Susan says. "I know that sounds corny, but it's true."
Peace and quiet, though, are elusive.
"It can get crazy, especially with Randy carting everyone to school," she says. "I take Sarah and then go to my school (Alexander Middle in Huntersville, where she is a science teacher), then Randy (a Mecklenburg County Sheriff's deputy) takes the other kids in two separate runs."
After school, Randy and the Pucketts' two driving-age adopted daughters, Sarah and Irene, share pick-up duties.
"After school can be just as hectic," Susan notes. "There are usually one or two activities going on in sports, etc. We have 'hired' Sarah to be our Homework Czar and Chief Cook and Bottle Washer. She is very dependable and takes her job seriously. I come home to a freshly cooked meal that she (or Randy) has cooked almost every night.
Since I don't get off work until almost 5 each evening I don't get to enjoy many of the kids' activities."
And what's life like when you get home?
"OK, about the house," Susan says. "It's generally a mess until the kids decide that it's time to get everything cleaned up. Then they go into high gear and work together to get it done. ... The kids all wash their clothes, make their lunches and have turns at kitchen duty."
The Puckett home can be cramped, but that's OK with Susan.
"Having a houseful is so wonderful," she insists. "I wouldn't give anything for having the kids we have. I look back and shudder to think that we almost decided not to adopt the last three. God has blessed our family and will continue to bless us. I have been praying to be delivered from the bit of bitterness/jealousy that I am experiencing for not winning the makeover. I know I have God and that's all I need. He will provide for all our needs just like He's done in the past."
Like I said, sometimes we just have to get out of the way.
