A story of bravery, love and America

It was a down-home combination of "Extreme Home Makeover" and "The Bucket List." Add the introduction of a little red-haired granddaughter, a U.S. veteran and a generous, small-town community, and you have one dandy of an American-made story.

Matt Johnston, a Purple Heart Marine, is facing his mortality. He's battling stage-4 lung cancer.

So Johnston had a few things he wanted to accomplish before it's time for him to go.

His "bucket list" included wanting to take his young grandson fishing, go camping one last time with his family, see his 2-year-old granddaughter from Hawaii and have his leaky roof fixed so his wife wouldn't have to deal with it when he was gone.

Many friends, family and strangers came together to fix more than a leaky roof. Led by Jason Wray, president and CEO of Creative Edge Inc. in Jackson, a group put things into action. What began as a simple roof replacement, grew into a swelling sentiment of good deeds.

When Wray joined forces with Johnston's best friend, Travis Goode, they began approaching businesses, which, when hearing of the story, donated materials. Soon, two people turned into more than 150 volunteers.

When Johnston and his family took off Thursday in a donated RV for a camping trip, new fishing pole included, the volunteers began their task of remodeling Johnston's Scott City home inside and out.

When the project was revealed last Sunday, Johnson walked down the street, which was lined with people applauding as he headed toward his home.

According to the story told by Southeast Missourian reporter Samantha Rinehart, Johnston watched in disbelief as the box truck pulled away, revealing his home. A new roof, a new deck, new landscaping; even the interior received several upgrades.

As if that wasn't enough, after viewing the home, Johnston returned to the street, where his friends were singing "God Bless America" and a group of Marines marched in. One of those marines was Johnston's son, T.J. Higgason, who had made the trip from Hawaii.

And soon, a little girl with bright red curls, climbed up into her grandfather's arms.

It's been a violent past few weeks, near and abroad. Our region and our nation need reminding of the generous and loving spirit. This story, which starts with an ill marine, who gave so much to his country, was only possible because people were willing to love one another.

We hope this story inspires others to give and love generously. And we hope the kind acts for the Marine with the Purple Heart reminds him for the rest of his days of how much he is respected and appreciated.