In Memory of Cassandra Yazzie-Hotchkiss

Great news! We’ve learned that Jason and Noah will be back home in Durango before the end of the month! Our sister, Rachel, asked me to see if I could scrounge up a group of volunteers to go help clean the house this weekend so that it’s ready for their return. Unfortunately, my wife and I will be out of town, but if there’s anyone who is around and able to help, that would be great. If there’s anyone who’d like to help coordinate, please comment on this post with your contact information and I’ll get in touch.

What needs to be done:

Whole House

• Carpets need to be shampooed and cleaned
• Windows could use a cleaning
• Dusting

Jason has specifically requested that his and Cas’s room be left exactly as it is until he can get home to go through everything

Kitchen

• I’m sure there are dishes that need doing
• Food needs to be sorted through, and expired items thrown out
• Counters cleaned
• Floor mopped

Living Room

• General Cleaning
• Slip covers for couches need to be washed

Handyman – If anyone has the time, skills, and inclination, there are a number of handyman things that could be done, including:

• Misc. damaged trim, banisters, etc.  It is of special importance that the bannister to the upstairs is sturdy, as Noah will be maintaining his room on the second floor, so he will be using it quite a bit in his efforts to get up and down the stairs
• Paint?  I know the interior could use a fresh coat of paint, if someone wanted to take this on, it might really help make the house feel fresh and welcoming.
• Wheelchair ramp– we need to figure out a good way to get Noah in and out of the house– maybe the best way to do this would be to make some space in the garage, remove the stairs from the house into the garage, and replace them with a ramp– that way we won’t have to worry about snow and ice.  I’m sure someone handier than I might have some good insight here.

I’m sure I’ve missed some things that could be cleaned or fixed– if you see something that looks like it could use some help (outside of the master suite), feel free to fix it up!

Thank you, everyone, for your outpouring of love and support, your response has been overwhelming and has been very helpful through this ordeal, and your thoughts and prayers have helped Jason and the kids more than you will ever know.