Man decorates entire street for his sick wife for Christmas: then it gets even more touching
Indianola (USA) - He would do anything to put a smile on her face: a man (74) from the USA has decorated the entire neighborhood for Christmas for his sick wife. Thanks to him, an entire street already shines in festive splendor. The retired marine soldier had previously borne the costs of the huge project himself. However, his neighbors could not leave it at that and joined forces for a touching campaign.

John Reichart and his wife Joan from the US state of Iowa got engaged on Christmas Eve around 53 years ago. So it's no wonder that Christmas time has always played a very special role in their relationship.
When Joan received the devastating diagnosis of Alzheimer's four years ago, her husband did everything he could to ensure that their Christmas joy would not be forgotten. This year, the 74-year-old decided to do something very special during the Advent season.
The American not only decorated her house, but also decorated the neighbors' properties until the entire street sparkled with Christmas lights. Of course, he obtained permission from each resident beforehand.
Nevertheless, some of them were surprised that the veteran actually went through with it: "One neighbor thought I was joking until I showed up on his lawn and put up decorations," John recalls to Iowa's Local 5 News.
The 74-year-old decorated a total of 17 houses with, for example, illuminated Christmas trees, wreaths, snowflakes and snowmen. He paid for all the decorations out of his own pocket.
Neighbors collect donations for touching Christmas campaign

But money doesn't matter to him as long as he can make his beloved Joan happy with it and maybe even jog her memory of Christmases past.
John has also vowed to keep up this tradition until he is no longer physically able to do so. However, he also has to face the sad reality that his wife's condition is deteriorating. Joan has even forgotten how to brush her teeth. In general, there are "more bad days than good days", the former soldier explains sadly.
"I love her with all my heart and soul. As long as she enjoys it, I'll keep doing it for as long as I have the strength. I'll do it every Christmas," he promises. But he knows that "time is limited".
The beautifully decorated East Franklin Avenue has even attracted strangers who have heard about the "Christmas street". John is therefore planning to keep the lights on until the second week of January from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. each day.
Of course, his neighbors also know that his campaign is expensive. That's why the residents have come together to collect donations for the 74-year-old. Over 8600 US dollars (around 8100 euros) have already been received via the GoFundMe page . "So many of you have already driven through our bright street and felt the love he showed not only to his wife, but to everyone else in the Christmas spirit," writes John's neighbor Frank Ewurs.
They are also asking for Christmas cards to sweeten John and Joan's Advent season. "Every donation and every kind word is a real gift," says Ewurs.