Wife’s Dying Wish For Her Family Comes True
Two years after Brenda lost her fight with ovarian cancer, her husband David received a special message from her. The Christmas wish she had planned for her family was finally able to come true.
A Mother’s Final Request
Brenda Schmitz was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2011. She was a loving mother to four boys and devoted wife who always went above and beyond for her family. As she neared the end of her life, she decided to plan out a surprise for her husband to be presented to him when the time was right.
Mail From Heaven
Brenda began writing a letter to David that she would only tell a close friend about. She asked her friend to carry out her wishes, once David had found a new woman and had learned to love again.
The Reading Of The Letter
Brenda had always been a big fan of her local radio station’s yearly “Christmas Wish” fulfillment. Imagine the surprise on David’s face after being called down to the radio station. The DJ began by asking David to talk about his late wife, and as he shares her story the undying affection he has for Brenda is impossible to ignore. They then share with him how they received a letter written by Brenda.
Brenda’s Introduction
The letter was a heartfelt story of a woman’s love for her family. The amount of strength it must have taken for Brenda to write it is unbelievable. She begins the letter by letting the recipients know the background of her story and the letter itself.
“Hello my name is Brenda Schmitz. When you are in receipt of this letter I will have already lost my battle to ovarian cancer. I am writing this letter to have sent to you by a dear friend who has instructions to do so when it was the time. I had to type this because I can barely write anymore because of my shakiness I told her that once my loving husband David had moved on in his life and met some to share his life with again to mail this to all of you at the station….My reason for writing is this. I have a wish. I have a wish for David, the boys, and the woman and her family if she has kids also. I want them to know I love them very much,”
She knew having her friend send in the letter would be the perfect way to surprise her family, even after she was gone.
Her First Wish
The letter then shares the Christmas wishes she hoped to have granted for her loved ones. She began with how thankful she was that David found someone new. She knew this woman must have great compassion to take on raising their four sons.
“First, for David’s new lifelong partner. A day or better yet a weekend of pampering in all aspects of her life. Hair, makeup, body massage, clothes, shopping, spa or weekend getaway. Whatever. She deserves it. Being a step-mother to all of those boys and especially giving lil’ Max a “mothers love” that only she can give…. Thank you – I love you – whoever you are.”
David’s new wife, Jayne, was so honored to be thought of by Brenda. What meant the most to Jayne was Brenda saying “I love you,” and knowing that Jayne will give little Max a lifetime of love!
Her Second Wish
Next, Brenda had a wish for the entire family… a magical trip! One where they could make memories that last a lifetime.
The Final Thank You
Finally, she had a wish for the doctors and nurses that spent their days caring for her. She requested,
“A night full of drinks, food and fun for all they do everyday for the cancer patients they encounter.”
She was clearly a selfless woman thinking of everyone else, rather than herself, in her final days.
His Late Wife’s Love
Doug is so grateful for the radio station sharing Brenda’s story with the community. He was shocked by the letter, but not surprised because he knew that his late wife was an incredibly loving woman. The radio station, along with their sponsors, were able to make all of Brenda’s wishes come true!
Brenda’s Letter of Love
Here is Brenda’s letter that the radio station read to Doug.
Hello my name is Brenda Schmitz. When you are in receipt of this letter I will have already lost my battle to ovarian cancer. I am writing this letter to have sent to you by a dear friend who has instructions to do so when it was the time. I had to type this because I can barely write anymore because of my shakiness. I told her that once my loving husband David had moved on in his life and met someone to share his life with again to mail this letter to all of you at the station.
I always enjoyed thru the years the Christmas wish you all put on. It is a tremendous and thoughtful deal you do for people that truly exemplifies what Christmas is all about. As I was thinking about my last months on earth I told David my wishes after I was gone that I believe he followed thru with the attitude and courage I know he possesses. What a great husband and father he is. I know all this is extremely hard on him. He is the one making the best decisions from here on out for my family and ultimately finding a caring, compassionate loving woman in time to help raise the boys. She must be quite a lady and I wish I could have met to take on the task of raising a larger extended family with unwavering love and devotion and a huge heart. I also gave my friend some things to do and this letter sent to you is 1 of them when the time presented itself.
We have 4 boys, Carter, Josh, Justin and my lil’ Max. Max is the youngest at 2 years old. I was diagnosed right after his 1st birthday. No child as young as Max should lose his mother and it brings tears to my eyes now thinking of it. God I will miss seeing him and the boys grow up to be fine men. I have relayed to David to try and not let him forget me. He is such a bright, intelligent beautiful boy. I will miss all my boys. My favorite has always been the one standing in front of me.
My reason for writing is this. I have a wish. I have a wish for David, the boys, and the woman and her family if she has kids also. I want them to know I love them very much and they always feel safe in a world of pain. I was hoping that one small act you all could do for me can change and help their lives forever and they know I am with them always.
First, for David’s new lifelong partner. A day or better yet a weekend of pampering in all aspects of her life. Hair, makeup, body massage, clothes, shopping, spa or weekend getaway. Whatever. She deserves It. Being a step-mother to all those boys and especially giving lil’ Max a “mothers love” that only she can give. Make her smile and know her efforts are truly appreciated from me. Perserverance will prevail. Thank you- I love you- whoever you are. Talk to me- you are heard. For the family a magical trip somewhere where they all can enjoy their company and companionship as a family and create those memories that will be with them forever. Finally the cancer doctors at Mercy Hospital and nurses of 8 south. Dr. Carlson, Dr. Turner, Deb Schnoor, Marie Rudolf. A night out full of drinks, food and fun for all they do everyday for the cancer patients they encounter.
May God Bless and keep all of you safe there. Thanks for this. When you wish upon a star…. Brenda
Over The Rainbow
Brenda left behind more hope and love than her family ever could have imagined. Doug talks about the day that Brenda passed away and the double rainbow that filled the sky. Both Doug and his family know that Brenda is still with them, loving them and keeping them safe. Their youngest son, Max, has a picture of the rainbows in his room to remind him that his mom is always watching over him.
A Christmas Wish Granted
Watch the full story below.
A Mother’s Generosity
The holidays are a time to appreciate all of the love that surrounds us throughout the year. Brenda’s final letter to her family was the ultimate Christmas wish. Her strength and love continues on through her family’s everlasting bond.
