20/06/2025
"My little brother Jake just turned 14 and he's been sleeping on our pullout couch in the living room for two years. Never complained once, but I could see it killing him inside.
A few weeks ago I caught him on a video call with some girl, trying to angle the camera so she couldn't see he was basically living in our living room. When he hung up, he just sat there looking so defeated.
That's when mom and I decided our gross basement had to become his room.
We had almost no money. Mom had some savings from alterations, I've been flipping vintage clothes on the Tedooo app, and dad agreed to do the labor. Six weeks of painting, building, and hunting for deals.
The Tedooo app seriously saved us. Found a woodworker who gave me a huge discount on floating shelves when I told him the story. Got a "slightly imperfect" handmade rug for half price, custom LED lighting that actually looked decent. All from small sellers who got what we were trying to do.
Yesterday was the reveal. Mom called Jake downstairs saying she needed help moving something.
Guys... his face when he saw HIS room. His bed, his desk, his bookshelves, string lights making everything cozy. He just stood there touching everything like he couldn't believe it was real.
"This is... mine? Like, actually mine?"
Then he broke down sobbing. "I have my own room. I actually have my own room."
His friends came over last night and spent hours down there just being loud teenagers without bothering anyone. When I brought snacks, Jake introduced me as "his sister who helped make this happen" with this huge proud smile.
This morning I found a note on my dresser: "Thank you for seeing me."
Sometimes the most important renovations aren't about making spaces prettier. They're about making a kid feel like they matter.
Jake deserved so much more than a pullout couch. And now he has it."
-I saw this post on the Tedooo app and thought you would like it
