Lewis Family: One year later
As you enter the beautifully maintained home in El Segundo, California, one thing stands out, nothing has changed! This home, owned by Bruce and Paulita Lewis, was gutted and rebuilt in just one week and they love it. From the tastefully landscaped front walk to the nicely appointed front porch, nothing has been altered since those keys were handed to the Lewis family a little over one year ago.
“There was simply nothing to change.” Replied Bruce Lewis, an El Segundo Motor Police Officer and Father of two, when asked if they had considered redesigning anything. “The designers and the homebuilder translated exactly what I would have wanted for my family and made it a reality.”
As you make your way around the house, careful not to step on Peanut, the families famously large feline who became one of the stars of the 2-hour long episode, you can’t help but to notice how meticulously this family has maintained the look and feel of this house. It’s amazingly clean and organized for a home in which the Lewis’ 2 children, Erin, 12, and Hunter, 10, live and play.
Hunter’s street-hockey themed room was still lined with hockey paraphernalia and loaded with the equipment left by the design team. Erin’s sports-caster themed room with its 6 plasma screens mounted on the wall still overloads ones senses with 6 different stations tuned-in. They told me that they had to actually make a special rule that only one TV is to be on at once as her room was ‘sleep-over central’ for her friends. Hunter still loves playing hockey and was actually in uniform ready to go off to little league practice. Erin’s dreams may have changed a little since she was on TV. She has decided to become a performer and actually serenaded me while playing the piano as I toured the home. But, she still loves her room and hasn’t changed a thing.
Guiding the tour the whole time with her infectious smile, Paulita took pride in showing me the family photos that line the hallways. Before the show was filmed Paulita was diagnosed with Stage IV Thymatic Carcinoma and continues to fight and live her life. Unless you knew that she had chemotherapy that very morning you would never know that she was fighting such a devastating ailment.
“The healing room is still my favorite, my sanctuary when I need rest or just to relax,” commented Paulita, ”After all, I’m still a mother of two kids full of energy!”
Bruce Lewis has decided to work the graveyard shift, opting to be at home during the days to help Paulita and be closer to his family. While this means giving up his beloved motorcycle, it also means that he will be much safer riding around in a patrol car. That, he says, is worth the peace of mind for Paulita.
After watching the premiere episode of this Season’s Alaska show, the family wrote us a letter to check-in:
Hey Everyone,
Every time we watch an episode of EMHE it always puts life's issues into perspective. The season premier episode with the Rogers family is no exception. What a deserving and great family.
I'm still in awe knowing that we were selected especially when I see families like the Rogers family. What an amazing testimony to family, and family values Betsy Rogers has bestowed on her family. And now, thanks to EMHE, those same values and life's lessons are there for a good portion of the world to see.
Prior to receiving our Extreme Makeover, we watched the show every Sunday as a family. I have to admit, I was somewhat skeptic, but we enjoyed watching what you did for those families, leaving us with a warm feeling in our heart. It’s different now, we know first hand that it isn't just Hollywood smoke and mirrors. Its REAL, and its a large group of many people getting together to make a difference in these deserving families life's. It’s the most genuine thing we have ever experienced.
You hit a HOMERUN with Betsy Rogers and her family and I have no doubt that after seeing this family and their values, all those who watched this episode will put things into perspective.
Please express our congratulations to Betsy and her wonderful family. Also, please accept our eternal gratitude to ABC, EMHE, and everyone who participated in the blessing you gave our family. Tell Ty, the cast and crew, we said hello! Keep up the good work, you guys are really making a difference in peoples lives.
Love you guys,
The Lewis Family:
Bruce, Paulita, Erin, and Hunter
