CLEVELAND — What started as an elementary school project decades ago continues to bring joy to a northeast Ohio family. A man who watched the tree he planted with his grandson in 1991 grow into a giant spruce has always wanted to see it decorated for the holidays. 

Now, Ayers only has to look outside his window to see his long-time Christmas wish finally granted.

"It’s there, good things," he said.

That sapling has grown into a 40-foot spruce outside the home where Ayers has lived for the past 70 years. He said he's wanted to cover it with lights for years. 

"It was just out of reach; you just couldn’t do it. It’s such a big tree and everything," he said. 

Ayers got out of the hospital last week and came home to a surprise. The tree was fully decorated for the holidays.

"It just makes me happy. I mean, Christmas lights in general, time of the year, just a special thing," he said. 

His grandson, Jon Drago, got some help from his family and the community to bring the tree to life.

It took about a week to light up.

"From Mentor to Mentor-on-the-Lake and all around, everybody that donated stuff. We were able to get a man lift rented," he said. "I backed it up right next to the tree there, and went up, started at the top. I probably, four five hours up in the bucket, and got it lit." 

Ayres and his family aren't the only ones enjoying the tree. They said it gives them extra joy to see kids around the neighborhood come to take photos next to it.

"I never expected in a million years that it would be here still, 33 years later," he said.

The family said they realized this surprise is worth more than any gift you'd find under a tree.

"He’s getting up there in age, so we wanted to do something special for him for Christmas. It was probably the most special thing we could’ve done," Drago said.