an evening with joy: how ally found a home in the heart of a new friend

joy’s world

joy, originally from aruba and now living in the netherlands, is a woman of deep faith and remarkable kindness. she has a way of making everyone feel instantly welcome—like you’ve known her for years, even if you’ve just met.

though she is blind, joy’s sense of presence and connection goes far beyond sight. she listens with care. she remembers voices, pauses, and patterns. and she meets everyone with the same openness, no matter how they move, sound, or look.

her home reflects the same kind of intentional grace. everything is arranged to support independence and ease. rubber bands mark different bottles and containers so she can tell them apart by touch. walk through her space, and you’ll notice the flow: no sharp corners, no dead ends, no obstacles. every room is welcoming, open, and designed with purpose.

a new connection

joy had heard of ally before—a neighbor had mentioned it—but she hadn’t had the chance to try it herself. that changed recently, and the experience left a real impression.

from the very first interaction, ally became more than just a voice on a device—it became a presence in her day. in the kitchen, ally helped her find what she needed in the fridge and reminded her when the cooker was on. in the laundry area, ally guided her through the washer settings. in the bathroom, ally offered gentle prompts that made everyday tasks feel simpler and more supported.

the way ally responded—clearly, patiently, and on her terms—gave joy the sense that she wasn’t just using a tool. she was interacting with something that understood her pace, her rhythm, and her needs.

moments that moved us

one of the most touching moments came when ally read joy’s favorite bible commentary out loud. her faith is a constant in her life, and being able to hear spiritual reflections read in a clear, steady voice brought a visible smile to her face.

that moment, simple as it was, spoke volumes. it reminded us that accessibility isn’t just about function: it’s also about feeling seen, supported, and spiritually connected.

joy later decided to name her ally “josh,” after her youngest son. it was a small gesture, but one that said everything about the trust she was building. it felt personal. it felt real.

stories like joy’s are why ally exists; not just to answer questions, but to fit into real lives with compassion, clarity, and care.