Making Dreams Come True: The Story of Uncle Kenny

One of my favorite stories from the beginnings of The Give Back Community, revolves around Uncle Kenny, a gentle soul who had been enduring the harsh reality of life without a roof over his head.

Kenny, often affectionately called Uncle Kenny by those who knew him, had been living a life of struggle and pain. His days were spent sitting and sleeping on a bench, enduring the elements and the physical discomfort that came with his homelessness. As we continued to provide food, support, and friendship to our homeless friends, we couldn’t help but notice the persistent pain etched on Uncle Kenny’s face.

One day, after months of getting to know Uncle Kenny, a question was asked that would make a huge impact on his life. The question was simple but carried immeasurable significance: “What is your dream?” It was during this conversation that Uncle Kenny revealed a heartfelt desire.

Uncle Kenny’s dream was not grandiose or extravagant; it was a simple wish born out of necessity and the yearning for relief. He expressed his longing to be in a hot tub with strong jets massaging his aching back. It was a dream he believed would alleviate the constant pain he endured and offer a brief respite from his challenging circumstances.
Without hesitation, Andrew and I decided to turn his dream into a reality.

We picked up Uncle Kenny, and took him to (at the time) my apartment complex in Downtown West Palm Beach. Here,a brand-new hot tub was just built. The joy and gratitude that radiated from Uncle Kenny upon seeing this unexpected gift were indescribable.

The sight of Uncle Kenny immersed in the warm water of the hot tub, feeling the powerful jets gently massaging his back, was a moment of pure bliss. But it wasn’t just the hot tub that brought him happiness; it was the companionship and love he received from us. He said it made him feel human again.

The day spent with Uncle Kenny was a beautiful one. It was a day filled with laughter, stories, and the realization that they had made his dream come true. For Uncle Kenny, this gesture meant more than physical relief; it was a symbol of love, friendship, and the knowledge that he was not alone in his struggles.

Uncle Kenny’s profound gratitude served as a reminder that small acts of kindness can have a monumental impact on someone’s life. It goes to show that, often, the most significant changes we can make in the world start with a simple question, “What is your dream?” And by turning dreams into reality, we create a better, more compassionate world for all. Uncle Kenny’s story is a reminder that we all have the capacity to make a positive change in someone’s life, and in doing so, we transform not only their world but our own as well.

Go Beyond 
Umberto