"It will be a happy time," she said as she looked forward to the day when workers and bulldozers will pick apart her two-bedroom, one-bath home just off Texas 114.
Her happiness comes with the knowledge that something better will be replacing her home.
After almost two years of waiting, Cynthia and husband, Ralph, recently found out they had been approved for a loan to build a new home.
With the help of GrantWorks, an organization that assists cities in finding state, federal and private foundation grant and loan sources, the city of Aurora was approved by the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs to offer residents loans through the Texas HOME Program's owner occupied program.
The HOME Program funds affordable housing for those living at or below 80 percent of the average median family income for their area. Through the owner occupied program, funds are provided for the replacement or repair of homes for people who already own and live in a home.
The program is providing $55,000 for the DeCordovas.
With the loan, a new three-bedroom, two-bath house will be built where the DeCordova's current home stands.
For years, the couple had been living in a home that needed a new roof and plumbing and electrical improvements. In the years since they applied for the loan, Ralph has had two strokes and is now living in a rehabilitation facility until the new home is built.
"My husband and I are both disabled. Our house needed a lot of work, and we're just not in a position to do the work," Cynthia said.
When the city of Aurora was approved to participate in the program, the city offered five loans to qualifying residents. The DeCordovas and another Aurora resident were approved for a loan, but in the end, the other resident did not accept.
"I was thrilled," Cynthia said of finding out the couple had been approved.
As part of the partnership in the program, the city of Aurora will complete the demolition for the couple as well as waive city fees for permits.
"We've been working for two years to get this finalized," said Toni Kelly-Richardson, city administrator, who grew up across the street from the DeCordovas. "She's ready to get this house built so she can bring Ralph home."
Cynthia said that the home will be equipped to handle the couple's disabilities, with 36-inch doorways, no steps and a step-in shower. The couple can pick the brick and carpet colors and can choose from two floor plans.
"It's not going to be a big house, but we don't need a big house," she said.
Cynthia closed on the new home Oct. 30. Cynthia has been living in the home for 22 years, since she married Ralph. Ralph has lived in the home for about 40 years.
