How a Bench Became a Bridge to Hope!

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One cold morning in February 2022, something unusual caught the eye of Tammy L. Plaisance Roberts as she looked out the window of her small business. A couple stood outside, taking pictures—not of the cartoon car “Mater” parked out front that usually draws visitors, but of her shop itself. Curious and a bit cautious, Tammy stepped outside to see if they needed anything. She met Marc Frost and his wife that day, and what started as a simple hello turned into a story of healing, hope, and a reminder that sometimes our loved ones show up when we least expect it.

Marc explained that her place held special meaning for him. During a long-distance race in June 2021, Marc had battled through a raging storm. Exhausted and unsure if he’d make it through the night, he found shelter right there on Tammy’s bench. He lay down and fell into such a deep sleep that he told Tammy it felt like he’d slept for days.

Tammy listened closely and then asked if she could share her own story—one that connected to that same bench in a way that still brings tears to her eyes.

Just ten days apart in June 2021, Tammy lost two of her closest people. Her neighbor, Mrs. Karen Lester, was more than just a neighbor; she was Tammy’s best friend, like a mom and grandmother to her son. Mrs. Karen passed away on June 13th. Only ten days later, Tammy’s dad—her hero, best friend, and lifelong supporter—passed away too. He had always said he would come to see her office one day, but never got the chance in person.

When Marc told Tammy the exact date he had slept on her bench, her breath caught in her throat: June 21st. The same day her father’s soul went to heaven. She knew at that moment her dad had kept his promise, visiting in a way only he could—by guiding a stranger to rest on that bench at just the right time.

Now, that weathered bench means more to Tammy than any piece of furniture ever could. It’s a sign that her dad is still nearby, reminding her that even in the hardest moments, she is never alone.

Tammy’s connection to her business runs deep, too. Her father and brothers were licensed plumbers, and Tammy grew up surrounded by septic tanks, plumbing pipes, and the value of hard work. Her dad was her constant source of encouragement, always telling her that once she set her mind on something, she’d never stop until it was done. He was right.

Tammy started You Dig It! Septic not just to make a living but because she wanted to help people. Years ago, a widow called her in tears after losing her husband. Another company had promised to fix her septic system but never showed up. Tammy knew she had to do something. She listened to a quiet voice in her heart that gave her the name for her new business. She still hopes that widow will call her one day—not because of an emergency, but just so Tammy can thank her for inspiring what she does now.

Marc’s visit that day wasn’t just a trip down memory lane for him; it was a gift for Tammy, too. He told her that her shop had become a landmark for him, a sign to keep going during the storm. He later included her story in his book, which Tammy treasures as another reminder that we’re all connected, often in ways we can’t see.

Tammy has faced heartbreak that would bring most people to their knees—losing her son Jeremy at just 23 and then losing her best friend and her dad within days of each other. But she believes those moments, and connections like Marc’s, have shaped her into the business owner she is today: determined, compassionate, and deeply rooted in her Murphy community.

To this day, Tammy is grateful for the hardworking crew that stands by her side, helping families in moments of crisis and giving them honest, caring service. “When you leave your job at the end of the day and you know you did everything you could to help someone, it’s worth every challenge,” she says.

Marc Frost’s story—and the bench where he rested—will always be part of Tammy’s story, too. It’s proof that even when storms come, we are never truly alone. Sometimes it takes a stranger, a bench, and a moment of grace to remind us that hope is always waiting, right outside our door.
To this day, Tammy is incredibly grateful for the hardworking crew that stands by her side, helping families in moments of crisis and consistently providing honest, caring service. She often says, "When you leave your job at the end of the day and you know you did everything you could to help someone, it's worth every challenge."

The team at You Dig It Septic consists of the following:
Joe Roberts (Joe): Tammy’s Husband Will not quit until It's completed and/or diagnosed.

Jason Standridge: You Dig Its quarterback - "Let's get it done and get to the next."

Scott Bennie: The team can always rest assured when Scott's around that all the guys are safe. He would risk his own life to save each and every one of them!

 

Ricky Weaver: The biggest heart keeps the team together through strength and support.

Bevin Jeremy Roberts: Tammy's son. She found out she was pregnant on a Sunday, and in the same week, her oldest child was taken to become an Army of Angels. God blessed her with instant memories of Jeremy through Bevin. Bevin has a heart of gold, is caring, and has become an amazing young man.

Dallas Michael Roberson: The summer he will never forget working around septic. He did figure out why I called my company You Dig It! It's a tough job but the two of them give it their all. 

 

If you have had the honor to have all my guys at your location at the same time, you have truly been blessed!