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Guy Accidentally Heard Teens Making Fun Of 75-Year-Old Man’s House, So This Is What He Did
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Guy Accidentally Heard Teens Making Fun Of 75-Year-Old Man’s House, So This Is What He Did

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When railroad track inspector Josh Cyganik of Union Pacific heard local kids making rude comments about 75-year-old Leonard Bullock’s home, he decided that he had to do something about it. On July 15th, he posted this message to Facebook:

“…I was at work a couple weeks ago and I heard 2 teenage boys walked by this old man’s house…[and] they said loud enough for me to hear ‘look at this crappy house they just need to burn it down’!… So I’m asking if anyone that wants to help this Saturday to volunteer their time to help paint this gentleman’s house!”

The response was stunning. “I stopped counting at 95 volunteers, but everyone showed up excited and willing to help.” People came from as far as Texas, Washington, and California to help out. When asked for a comment by the Daily Mail, Cyganik said, “According to the media, I’m a hero. I’m not a hero, I just heard something that bothered me.”

More info: UPRR | Facebook (h/t: aplus)

RELATED:

    Cyganik overheard teens say, “look at this crappy house, they just need to burn it down!”

    He posted to Facebook asking for volunteers to help fix it up, and the response was astounding

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    People started to show up from as far away as Texas, Washington, and California

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    “I stopped counting at 95 volunteers, but everyone showed up excited and willing to help”

    “I was raised to respect the people who came before you, to help others out who don’t have much”

    Here’s the final result!

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    POST
    TeresaShilling
    Community Member
    9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Did the boys that made the remarks end up helping? That would have been great.

    CrackrJax
    Community Member
    9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    What a thing of beauty, the house, and all the people who helped! Including Josh.

    GrazWeed
    Community Member
    9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Our world today needs more people like you and the volunteers who helped even though they don't know the owner of the house personally! Kudos to all of you!

    DirkDeBeer
    Community Member
    9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Well done, good job. Would have liked to see the kids faces after this revamp.

    JoAnnSchmidt
    Community Member
    9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    A beautiful soul, joined by others. Thanks for sharing your story. This is the kind of energy that benefits everyone.

    JoAnneKlein
    Community Member
    9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Many kudos to Josh! As for these teens who were so disparaging: may they remember their insults and IF they get to live to see 75 years, may they find themselves in need of a helping hand and are overlooked. One way or another, Karma will win.

    Annie
    Community Member
    9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The only thing is I couldn't have kept it in. I would first comfort the man then do the project. I don't know why. But still, amazing.

    NicoleBenz
    Community Member
    9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That is what happens when you not just look after yourself... More people should act that way. Thank you so much!

    BellaRose
    Community Member
    9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Thats amazing! Thank you for restoring my faith in humanity

    SergioAlonso
    Community Member
    9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    "If you want to change the world, start painting your neighborhood"

    CaroleDose
    Community Member
    9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    You are a hero, Josh Cyganik! I hope your big heart and generosity inspires others to follow the torch you lit. There are sooo many people who need help.

    DonGuild
    Community Member
    9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It is wonderful to see that some people still care, it would have been even better if the boys that made the comment were made to help .

    SallyGillies
    Community Member
    9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    What an uplifting story and so wonderful to do. Thanks for doing it and thanks for sharing. God bless you and all the wonderful people who showed up to help.

    DianaHockley
    Community Member
    9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    How terrific! Good for everyone that they gave of their time to help out.

    sydney
    Community Member
    9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I wish this new home and the older gentleman all the best!! Thank you everyone who helped SO MUCH! To the teens who said the words, thanks for bringing attention to a person in need of some help!! Forgiveness to you!!! We are all imperfect and in forgiving I am healed, in receiving you are given peace too.

    pony33
    Community Member
    9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    There are very cool people still in this world... It's too bad that we still have a few little s**t heads around..

    EmmaPeel
    Community Member
    9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Far out! And did you see the good news today re Hampton inn providing shelter to a WWII vet? There are decent people in the world. Unfortunately for the future of the planet, we are the ones who used birth control

    slywlf
    Community Member
    9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Karma will smile on this great bunch of big-hearted folks!

    MadelynMoydell
    Community Member
    9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Your momma raised you right, and same to all of the folks that helped. Bless you all.

    NigelBrown
    Community Member
    9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Kids think they know every thing I've got some news for them Altogether THEY DONT!

    ShirleyErikson
    Community Member
    9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Many thanks for showing us these startling ,creative ,and beautiful images as some measure of balance in a world so full of unlovely visual material!

    maggiemoonbeam
    Community Member
    9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    To the snarky people who commented that the color paint was ugly: Have you considered that it might have been Mr. Bullock's choice? Since Mr. Christensen donated it, I'm sure he gave the gentleman his choice!

    EvansBaker
    Community Member
    9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I am more concern about those kids and what else they might have done or will do to others. I hope their parents read this and go apologize to Mr. Bullock!!!!

    BarbaraHarrell
    Community Member
    9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Love hearing about good people who take the time to care for a stranger....Bless all of you who volunteered...

    pajd
    Community Member
    9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Yes there are, and so often we only hear about the bad people...

    SAGOULD
    Community Member
    9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This is what the internet does best: spontaneous outpouring of kindness.

    JulieCanfield
    Community Member
    9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Thank God, my faith in humankind is being restored. It's great to hear about others who put others in need before themselves. May you guys be richly blessed.

    JeanneDeaux
    Community Member
    9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That's amazing. Thanks for this man, it's a really beautiful action. As for the boys, they should be pilloried in a public place one week long with the words stupid brat on their forehead. Shame on them!

    HulutaIrina
    Community Member
    9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Amazing. I am so happy when i can see people doing good things to other people...i hope everybody to learn a lesson and help people not only to judge them because they are poor

    DarleneGirard
    Community Member
    9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    They picked a great colour.. brown gives it a nice old fashioned log-cabin look.. Great job, by all involved!

    IamaMaughanster
    Community Member
    9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Imagine if everyone took an interest in their own communities, like this gentleman did, what a different place the world would be. Kudos to you and your parents for doing a great job. This is inspiring, truly!

    lunanoir69
    Community Member
    9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This is beautiful! I also was raised to remember and help my elders and others who need help. This is the way we should ALL respond to someone who needs our help!!

    CindyLansford
    Community Member
    9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This is right. We could make so much difference if we would pay attention, and respond when we see a need. If 100 people had $ 50-100 each to bring with them next time I think a roofer could be hired to complete the job with a bit left over perhaps to help with bills or inside needs. He's maybe making do for other means too. Or a good use for that gofundme site.

    ShelliGolden
    Community Member
    9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    what a shame it's not people like these who become our elected officials. hats off to everyone involved for recognizing a problem, jumping into action and solving it!!

    HeatherDerksen
    Community Member
    9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Awesome, thanks for your kindness, you don't see this kind of stuff anymore, which is so sad. Keep it up.

    KarlaHeitkamp
    Community Member
    9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    My eyes are leaking - so impressed with people that are moved to act on their good impulses because so much can be done!!

    AaronJethroeReyes
    Community Member
    9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The sad fact that kids nowadays are so disrespectful. That's what you get when discipline inside the home is left elsewhere.

    MichelBaecke
    Community Member
    9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    that's the difference between people that think about it, and those that step into action. I like tothink that I belong to the latter. A big feather in your cap!

    JenTyler
    Community Member
    9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Still plenty of kind and good people out there! Thank goodness! :-)

    FilipLopuski
    Community Member
    9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Am I the only one who thinks that it turned into ugly after repainting?

    LellGee
    Community Member
    9 years ago

    This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

    Lovely story shame about the horrible colour!

    TeresaShilling
    Community Member
    9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Did the boys that made the remarks end up helping? That would have been great.

    CrackrJax
    Community Member
    9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    What a thing of beauty, the house, and all the people who helped! Including Josh.

    GrazWeed
    Community Member
    9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Our world today needs more people like you and the volunteers who helped even though they don't know the owner of the house personally! Kudos to all of you!

    DirkDeBeer
    Community Member
    9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Well done, good job. Would have liked to see the kids faces after this revamp.

    JoAnnSchmidt
    Community Member
    9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    A beautiful soul, joined by others. Thanks for sharing your story. This is the kind of energy that benefits everyone.

    JoAnneKlein
    Community Member
    9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Many kudos to Josh! As for these teens who were so disparaging: may they remember their insults and IF they get to live to see 75 years, may they find themselves in need of a helping hand and are overlooked. One way or another, Karma will win.

    Annie
    Community Member
    9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The only thing is I couldn't have kept it in. I would first comfort the man then do the project. I don't know why. But still, amazing.

    NicoleBenz
    Community Member
    9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That is what happens when you not just look after yourself... More people should act that way. Thank you so much!

    BellaRose
    Community Member
    9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Thats amazing! Thank you for restoring my faith in humanity

    SergioAlonso
    Community Member
    9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    "If you want to change the world, start painting your neighborhood"

    CaroleDose
    Community Member
    9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    You are a hero, Josh Cyganik! I hope your big heart and generosity inspires others to follow the torch you lit. There are sooo many people who need help.

    DonGuild
    Community Member
    9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It is wonderful to see that some people still care, it would have been even better if the boys that made the comment were made to help .

    SallyGillies
    Community Member
    9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    What an uplifting story and so wonderful to do. Thanks for doing it and thanks for sharing. God bless you and all the wonderful people who showed up to help.

    DianaHockley
    Community Member
    9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    How terrific! Good for everyone that they gave of their time to help out.

    sydney
    Community Member
    9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I wish this new home and the older gentleman all the best!! Thank you everyone who helped SO MUCH! To the teens who said the words, thanks for bringing attention to a person in need of some help!! Forgiveness to you!!! We are all imperfect and in forgiving I am healed, in receiving you are given peace too.

    pony33
    Community Member
    9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    There are very cool people still in this world... It's too bad that we still have a few little s**t heads around..

    EmmaPeel
    Community Member
    9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Far out! And did you see the good news today re Hampton inn providing shelter to a WWII vet? There are decent people in the world. Unfortunately for the future of the planet, we are the ones who used birth control

    slywlf
    Community Member
    9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Karma will smile on this great bunch of big-hearted folks!

    MadelynMoydell
    Community Member
    9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Your momma raised you right, and same to all of the folks that helped. Bless you all.

    NigelBrown
    Community Member
    9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Kids think they know every thing I've got some news for them Altogether THEY DONT!

    ShirleyErikson
    Community Member
    9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Many thanks for showing us these startling ,creative ,and beautiful images as some measure of balance in a world so full of unlovely visual material!

    maggiemoonbeam
    Community Member
    9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    To the snarky people who commented that the color paint was ugly: Have you considered that it might have been Mr. Bullock's choice? Since Mr. Christensen donated it, I'm sure he gave the gentleman his choice!

    EvansBaker
    Community Member
    9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I am more concern about those kids and what else they might have done or will do to others. I hope their parents read this and go apologize to Mr. Bullock!!!!

    BarbaraHarrell
    Community Member
    9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Love hearing about good people who take the time to care for a stranger....Bless all of you who volunteered...

    pajd
    Community Member
    9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Yes there are, and so often we only hear about the bad people...

    SAGOULD
    Community Member
    9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This is what the internet does best: spontaneous outpouring of kindness.

    JulieCanfield
    Community Member
    9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Thank God, my faith in humankind is being restored. It's great to hear about others who put others in need before themselves. May you guys be richly blessed.

    JeanneDeaux
    Community Member
    9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That's amazing. Thanks for this man, it's a really beautiful action. As for the boys, they should be pilloried in a public place one week long with the words stupid brat on their forehead. Shame on them!

    HulutaIrina
    Community Member
    9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Amazing. I am so happy when i can see people doing good things to other people...i hope everybody to learn a lesson and help people not only to judge them because they are poor

    DarleneGirard
    Community Member
    9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    They picked a great colour.. brown gives it a nice old fashioned log-cabin look.. Great job, by all involved!

    IamaMaughanster
    Community Member
    9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Imagine if everyone took an interest in their own communities, like this gentleman did, what a different place the world would be. Kudos to you and your parents for doing a great job. This is inspiring, truly!

    lunanoir69
    Community Member
    9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This is beautiful! I also was raised to remember and help my elders and others who need help. This is the way we should ALL respond to someone who needs our help!!

    CindyLansford
    Community Member
    9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This is right. We could make so much difference if we would pay attention, and respond when we see a need. If 100 people had $ 50-100 each to bring with them next time I think a roofer could be hired to complete the job with a bit left over perhaps to help with bills or inside needs. He's maybe making do for other means too. Or a good use for that gofundme site.

    ShelliGolden
    Community Member
    9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    what a shame it's not people like these who become our elected officials. hats off to everyone involved for recognizing a problem, jumping into action and solving it!!

    HeatherDerksen
    Community Member
    9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Awesome, thanks for your kindness, you don't see this kind of stuff anymore, which is so sad. Keep it up.

    KarlaHeitkamp
    Community Member
    9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    My eyes are leaking - so impressed with people that are moved to act on their good impulses because so much can be done!!

    AaronJethroeReyes
    Community Member
    9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The sad fact that kids nowadays are so disrespectful. That's what you get when discipline inside the home is left elsewhere.

    MichelBaecke
    Community Member
    9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    that's the difference between people that think about it, and those that step into action. I like tothink that I belong to the latter. A big feather in your cap!

    JenTyler
    Community Member
    9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Still plenty of kind and good people out there! Thank goodness! :-)

    FilipLopuski
    Community Member
    9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Am I the only one who thinks that it turned into ugly after repainting?

    LellGee
    Community Member
    9 years ago

    This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

    Lovely story shame about the horrible colour!

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