Cancer has already taken far too many lives in the world, but every day it seems that we hear of another amazing heartwarming story of someone embracing their illness, and using all of the strength left in their body to do something truly touching for the ones they love.
In September of 2011, 46-year-old Brenda Schmitz passed away from ovarian cancer, leaving behind a beautiful family of five. Her husband David would be left to not only deal with the heartbreaking loss of his young wife, but he would also have to help his four young boys, Carter, Josh, Justin, and Max, deal with the unbelievable ramifications of their loss.
What Brenda would do for her family, however, is beyond comprehension. One month before she passed away, Brenda wrote a long letter to the local radio station, Star 102.5, who grants Christmas wishes every holiday season. She then gave the letter to her close friend and told her not to mail it until her husband had found a new woman to love. Two years later, the radio station received Brenda's letter and was absolutely floored by what they read.
Read along below as you see pictures of Brenda and her family, and see what Brenda's letter includes. For someone to be so absolutely selfless and caring, even while dealing with the very end of her life, is unbelievable. Her wish for David and her sons (and others) is one of the most touching things we've ever seen.
We have all lost people, but the thought of losing one's spouse is utterly heartbreaking. Underneath all the photos below, you'll find a video of Brenda's wish as well. Watching it will bring tears to your eyes.
Please SHARE this with anyone you know that has lost someone. These types of inspirational stories give other hope and happiness in indescribable ways.
(Main photo: Star 102.5)
This is Brenda before she passed away at the young age of 46. She specifically asked her friend to not mail her final letter to Star 102.5 until after her husband David had found a new woman to love.
"Hello my name is Brenda Schmitz," she writes in the letter. "When you are in receipt of this letter I will have already lost my battle to ovarian cancer."
This is the letter that Brenda wrote only a month before passing away to ovarian cancer. In it, she details exactly what she wishes for her husband and four young boys. She also selflessly wishes for a few things for the new woman in David's life and the
"What a great husband and father [David] is," she writes. "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 [sic] to take on the task of raising a larger extended family with unwavering love and devotion and a huge heart."
Brenda and "lil' Max" when he was just a baby. She was diagnosed with ovarian cancer just after his 1st birthday and passed away when he was 2-years-old.
"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 feels 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."
David's new love Jayne and his son Max. Not only did Brenda wish for something special for David and her boys, but she specifically wished for something amazing for Jayne.
"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. Perseverance will prevail. Thank you – I love you – whoever you are."
David, his boys, and their extended family. While Brenda may have written about her wish for David's new love first, she also had some special wishes for her husband and boys as well.
"For the family – a magical trip somewhere they all can enjoy their company and companionship as a family and create those memories that will be with them forever."
David visiting the doctors and nurses at Mercy Hospital in 2014. Brenda also had wishes for the amazing team that treated her during her battle with ovarian cancer.
"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."
David, Jayne, and the rest of the Schmitz family at Walt Disney World in 2014. Thanks to Star 102.5 and a host of other sponsors, ALL of Brenda's wishes were able to come true for the family. Amazing!
"May God Bless and keep all of you safe there. Thanks for this. When you wish upon a star… Brenda"
