After losing someone you love, it’s easy to feel lost in the silence they leave behind. But for 94-year-old Keith Davison of Morris, Minnesota, that silence didn’t last long—because he chose to fill it with laughter.
In April 2016, Keith’s wife of 66 years, Evy, passed away from cancer. The stillness of his home quickly became overwhelming. With no children or grandchildren around to bring energy into his life, Keith often found himself overcome with emotion. But instead of retreating into loneliness, he made a remarkable choice—he built a swimming pool.
Not for himself, but for the neighborhood kids.
What started as a personal project quickly became a source of joy for the entire community. In the summer of 2017, Keith opened his backyard pool to the children living nearby. Measuring sixteen by thirty feet, the pool transformed his once-quiet backyard into a buzzing social hub. The sounds of laughter and splashing replaced the heavy silence that had once hung in the air.
Though he doesn’t have grandchildren of his own, Keith became something of a grandfather to dozens of children. Neighbors say he unofficially “adopted” all the local kids. Every day, his yard filled with the cheerful noise of young voices and the joy of summer fun.
The pool didn’t just give local children a safe and fun place to play—it gave Keith something, too. In their happiness, he found purpose. In their laughter, he found healing.
Now, Keith is a beloved figure in the community, known for his kindness and the incredible gift he gave out of love and loss. His simple act of generosity turned his sorrow into strength, creating a place where friendships blossom and happy memories are made.
These days, you’ll often find Keith relaxing by the pool, watching kids play, his face lit up with a smile. Surrounded by energy, joy, and connection, he no longer feels the weight of loneliness. His backyard has become a beacon of community spirit—a reminder that even in the face of grief, love can ripple outward, touching lives in the most unexpected ways.
