The time leading up to and during the holidays is often filled with festivities and happiness; yet, for those who have had significant suffering and loss, it may also be a period of profound melancholy. Because Christmas is associated with spending time with family, those of us who have experienced the loss of a loved one will likely be confronted with memories that are bittersweet. Even though we are aware that a great deal of love was given and received, the absence of it can be extremely upsetting.
When a big family is left without their loved one while also having to cope with financial difficulties, this loss may be considerably more devastating than it already is. This was the situation for one family, who had been through a great deal of suffering and sorrow. Dakota Nelson, originally from Ashton, Idaho, was abruptly thrust into the role of a single parent to his seven children after the untimely death of his wife in 2018. To support himself, he had to split his time between three different part-time jobs.
It had been a challenging year for the family, but shortly before the holidays, Nelson got a great Christmas present, and he ensured that his children would have something to celebrate throughout the holiday season. When individuals put their kindness and compassion into action, there is always a glimmer of light even in the darkest of situations. It was Nelson who was on the receiving end of this kindness, and his reactions when he found out that he had been awarded $10,000 by a secret Santa spoke for themselves.
The money made a significant improvement for Nelson and his family, and the kindness was really touching for everyone, but particularly for Nelson, who was brought to tears by it. The spirit of Christmas is one of joy, and tales like this one teach us that even during the most difficult of circumstances, acts of compassion and giving may lead the road toward the light.
According to a story from East Idaho News, Nelson, who worked part-time as a seminary instructor for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, was spending time with his wife in their garage in July of 2018, as the two of them often did. In the video that can be seen below, Nelson can be heard saying that they were having a good time goofing around and laughing about, content to be in their own house and with their children. While Nelson went inside to obtain a few tools, he abandoned his wife who was working in the garage. Within a short period of time, she fell to the ground and was unable to breathe.
According to the local TV station, the couple’s son immediately dialed 911 for assistance as Nelson attempted to revive his wife by giving her chest compressions while waiting for the fire department and paramedics to arrive.
Unfortunately, once Nelson’s wife’s brain was deprived of oxygen for about half an hour, she fell into a coma that lasted for many weeks. During that time, she was unresponsive. Her physical health began to worsen, and she passed away with her spouse by her side.
The burdensome responsibility of looking after his seven children single-handedly was now placed squarely on Nelson’s shoulders. The ages of the youngsters varied from 1 all the way up to 16 at the time. Despite the fact that the older children assist with the smaller children and help out around the home, Nelson has discovered that being a single parent may be challenging.
According to a GoFundMe page put up for the family, he works three jobs to ensure that his children’s fundamental requirements, such as having access to food and clothes, are addressed. It was getting close to Christmas, and he wasn’t certain how he would be able to give presents for them. Fortunately, a mysterious Santa decided to launch a fundraising for his family. It’s not easy to look after kids when you’re going through tough times financially, but luckily for Nelson and his kids, they had a guardian angel watching out for them.
The family opened the present that was given to them by the anonymous Santa and found a cheque for $8,000 and $2,000 worth of gift cards inside. Nelson was rendered speechless as a result of the overwhelming feeling of thankfulness that he experienced.
According to Nelson’s statement to the East Idaho News, the money was put to good use. Because his family did not own a vehicle that was suitable for transporting all of them at once, Nelson was required to drive one of the cars whenever all of them went anywhere together, while his son, who was 16 at the time, drove the other vehicle.
In addition to that, he expressed his appreciation to the anonymous Santa by writing a letter to him. In his writing,
“It is difficult for me to write this since I am completely at a loss for words. I am at a loss for words to adequately express how appreciative my family and I am for your generosity. I glanced at my children as I was being surprised with the presents, and I knew that they would always remember this occasion as the greatest time they had during a difficult period. We are grateful that you have shown my family how to be considerate of the requirements of others by serving as a model for us.”
In the letter, he also said that his wife had gone away, as well as how devastating the tragedy was for the whole family. On the other hand, he also discussed the joy and happiness that the secret Santa had brought into their lives.
“I am aware that nobody makes it through life without encountering some kind of experience that is trying to the spirit, but I had no idea how much joy one may have even when the sun isn’t shining and it’s nighttime. I am grateful to you for being that source of light “In his letter, Nelson said the following.