WEST FRANKFORT - A pair of scissors and yellow ribbon opened the door to a happy and healthier life for one Franklin County family Sunday afternoon.

Rodney and Rebbecca McPherson watched with eager eyes as their daughter cut the ribbon that officially made a new four-bedroom home their own.

"They came to the house to tell us," Rodney said about learning his West City family had been chosen to receive the 11th Habitat for Humanity home in Franklin County. "It was one of the best feelings I have ever felt."

As Rodney stood outside the tan home with green shutters he talked about the big move to 408 S. Douglas in West Frankfort, and the great change the new home was from conditions they previously faced.

"The basement was flooded," he said. "There was mold and mildew and the kids were always sick. We would have $400 gas (bills) and that wasn't even including the electric. It was really something. We needed this desperately."

Habitat for Humanity works to build homes for families in need and operates primarily through volunteer labor and donated goods.

Rodney said his family was lucky to have been chosen and worked hard to contribute to the project as much as possible.

"I was involved with everything from the blocks to the roof," he said as he looked over the house. "I laid the last brick right there."

Inside, three of four McPherson children ran around the house eager to show off their very own rooms with wall colors they chose themselves.

Rodney Jr., 6, went with blue while his sister, Keelie, 7, opted for a light purple.

Kelsie, 11, wanted to celebrate her bigger room and chose a bright green that matched her colorful personality.

"I liked picking the colors," she smiled. "I really liked that. When I lived over there I had this really small room. I have a big room now. I'm just excited to have my own room."

Shay, 17, was not able to attend the first portion of the open-house event.

Rebbecca chose the flooring and said, as people toured the home Sunday, she was happy to see it all come together.

"It's just unbelievable," she said. "You really do not know how many people care and will come forward. You really don't think there is anybody or that many people out there want to help you. I mean, we were here when this was just grass."

tara.fasol@thesouthern.com / 351-5824