Turns out, Santa Claus is real.
An Iowa man full of Christmas spirit has taken it upon himself to decorate every house on his block each holiday season — an act of kindness that one neighbor described as “moving.”
And there’s a beautiful reason why 74-year-old John Reichert undertakes this difficult task again and again — it’s all for Joan, his vacation-loving wife of 53 years, who was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s four years ago.
Since then, he has been determined to create as many memories for her as possible – starting with the most wonderful time of the year.
“If it weren’t for my wife, I don’t know that I would have done it,” said Reichart, a Marine veteran. told cbs news“But she wanted Christmas, so I’ll give it to her. I can do anything to make her happy.”
This good deed immediately caught the attention of the town of Indianola, where the Reicharts live – several local elves volunteered to help in what has become a tradition in their corner of the Hawkeye State.
One Indianolon said the entire area felt “very blessed” to have that cheerful man as a neighbor.
“That’s what Christmas is all about,” said another.
The best part is that Block’s transformation still brings Joan great joy.
“I’m glad he did it,” she said. “I love him.”
The loyal husband has no plans to slow down in the coming years.
“As long as it’s OK,” Reichert told the network, “he’ll do it.”
“And even if she passes, I’ll still do this in her memory for as long as I can,” he said.
Meanwhile, a grateful neighbor has opened a PO box where well-wishers can send Christmas cards to the couple.
Send your wishes here:
John Reichart
c/o Frank Ivors
PO Box 133
Indianola, IA
50125
