Grief-Stricken Widower Installs Swimming Pool For Neighborhood Kids To Use

Jun 25, 2022 by apost team

Grief and loneliness can be overwhelming emotions that many people have to go through at some point in their life. But, one man in Minnesota decided to work on overcoming his emotions and do something that would make him happy again. After losing his wife of 66 years, Keith Davison felt alone in his big house, and with all his children growing and moving out, he needed to find something to bring him joy and occupy his time.

A retired trial judge, Davison was well known in his neighborhood in the city of Morris. He was always kind and friendly and got along well with his neighbors. In 2017, the 94-year-old man came up with the idea that would not only bring a little light to his life but bring some fun to the people in the neighborhood as well. Although he had kids, he and his wife never got around to installing a swimming pool in their backyard. Even though his own children probably wouldn't be using it any time soon, Davison went forward with his long-forgotten plans and finally installed a pool in his backyard.

Davison made sure to lay down some ground rules to keep the children safe while using the pool, and everyone seemed to have a blast visiting the elderly man and his new inground swimming pool. Installing the pool was like a ray of sunshine for Davison, as it not only brought him a ton of laughter and friends who visited him to use his pool, but it helped him meet more neighbors and develop closer relationships with them.

Finding A Reason To Smile Again

The Washington Post reported that Davison himself was an avid swimmer, and he and his wife had considered installing a pool back in 1991 when they bought their house but just never got around to actually doing it. Finally, Davison decided it was time to do just that and told the neighborhood children about his brilliant idea. "They were so excited about it, because they knew I'd let them in, and I decided, 'That's enough incentive right there,'" he said.

Construction on the heated pool fit with a diving pool started in the spring season of 2017 and was finished in July that year. What was once a very quiet home has turned into a full-time party for Davison, as many kids in the neighborhood have occupied his pool throughout the summer. "There's a lot of noise and splashing about, and that's good," he said. The pool has helped him build stronger relationships with his neighbors and has even helped him meet new ones.

During an interview with KARE 11 News, Davison couldn't stop smiling and laughing as he watched his neighbors fully enjoy themselves in the in-ground pool. Everyone was having the time of their lives as they splashed around and swam. 

Speaking with KARE 11 News, neighbor Jessica Huebner talked about how Davison never had any grandchildren of his own, but she reassured him that the neighborhood children could act as his adoptive grandkids, which made the elderly man incredibly happy. Davison certainly isn't feeling lonely anymore, thanks to the friendly people in his neighborhood.

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While the neighborhood pool was a fun installment for kids of all ages, there were several safety measures put in place to make sure that everyone stayed safe and sound while still having a blast together. According to KARE 11 News, Davison required that all kids be accompanied by either their parents or grandparents while using the pool. A fence surrounding the pool was also installed as an extra safety precaution.

Fortunately, everyone had a wonderful time together, and the community flourished thanks to Davison and his kind heart. It’s evident that the neighborhood truly appreciated the lengths he took to bring the community together, and many people from other parts of the world also appreciated the retired judge and his generosity.

Many people have left kind comments about Davison. One person said, “This man is a gem of a human. The world needs more people exactly like him. What a wonderful thing to do!!!”

Others said that they hoped people would be willing to do something nice in return or potentially even perform their own random act of kindness. One person said, “I love this and hope the neighborhood gives back to him by making sure he feels included when the long Minnesota winter sets in.” Another person said, “If anyone who reads this lives near Judge Davison and uses his pool… consider ‘paying it forward,’ in a way – invite Judge Davison over for dinner. Spend some time with him.”

It’s safe to say that this one act made a huge difference to several people – both inside Davison’s neighborhood and outside.

What did you think about this heartwarming story? Do you have any fun stories about your neighborhood? Let us know, and be sure to pass this on to your friends and family, too!