SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — If the neon orange jack-o-lantern suit doesn't say it, Gordon Levine will tell anyone who will listen.
He loves Halloween.
Gordon Levine walks Dinah Maria around the Halloween display he set up in her honor.
"I like to dress up and be a part of my displays," he said. "It's fun. Halloween is the best time of the year — other than Christmas."
His massive display draws onlookers from around Springfield.
The only thing is: it's not in his yard — it's in Dinah Maria's.
She loves Halloween almost as much as Gordon does. His display helps keep this 93-year-old young at heart, using dozens of inflatables and animatronics to create a creepy crawly oasis.
"It's the smile on her face," Gordon said. "That's what really gets me. If it makes her smile, it makes me smile."
He first met Dinah around 10 years ago as he cared for her husband German. He was dying of Alzheimer's, slowly robbed of the memories that made his life so beautiful.
Dinah is now struggling with the same fate — often reminded of her beautiful moments through her photos — and Gordon.
"We don't worry about the fact that she's here with [Gordon and his team] because we know she's in such great hands," said Dinah's daughter Gilma Weemer. "We know that she's not only cared for well, but we know she's doing things that she truly enjoys. In the moment, she's living life and spending time with them."
Gordon is more than a caretaker — he's a lifeline — he's family.
"She is like my mother," he said. "She's just got so much care. She loves everybody she meets."
That love goes both ways.
"He keeps me company and helps me with whatever I need," Dinah said. "What [is a] better thing than that? I'll keep him."
Their shared love of Halloween brought Gordon to Springfield — instead of his home 30 minutes away. He wanted to give Dinah a Halloween to remember — even if the only lasting memories are fuzzy glimpses of smiles and laughter.
"I did this because I know before long, this may be her last few years," he said with tears in his eyes. "I want to make it special for her."
After several hours of work, Gordon finished the outside decorations and worked with Dinah to pack the candy. One by one, kids from around the neighborhood made their trek to her driveway, stuffing candy in their pails — but leaving smiles behind for Dinah and Gordon.
"Being able to take care of somebody and fulfill what needs they have, it brings you joy," Gordon said. "It brings you a lot of comfort knowing that you're able to help somebody."
The memories of the past meet the joy of the present — while passing on smiles to the future.
With an enduring smile plastered on her face, Dinah summed up her night.
"Watching the little children have fun — that for me is the best part."
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