A Secret Santa request for a deceased woman’s husband was recently approved — and the heartwarming story truly represents the season of giving.
Idaho wife and mom, Kjerstin Cook, “passed away peacefully on February 11, 2024, after a courageous battle with ALS,” her obituary said. But a few weeks before she died at age 46, she wrote a letter to the local Secret Santa on behalf of her husband, Dustin Cook, the East Idaho News reported.
A friend sent the letter on her behalf, and her Christmas wish for Dustin (49) was recently fulfilled.
“I am blessed beyond measure. I have no words to describe any of this, other than Kjerstin, this has been so amazing,” he told the outlet. “I’ve been blessed to have her in my life for 30 years.”
Idaho’s Secret Santa surprised a 65-year-old grandmother with a new car
In her letter, shared in full by the paper, Kjerstin acknowledged that while the timing of her letter was unusual, “unfortunately, I won’t be around in December, so we hope you will consider the request.”
“Back in 2020, I started fainting. Over the past nearly four years, my health has continued to deteriorate to the point where I require round-the-clock care. I am a quadriplegic and cannot eat regular food. Finally, after years of specialist after specialist, I was finally diagnosed with ALS,” she wrote.
Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE’s free daily newsletter to stay up to date with the best PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to interesting people stories.
“The doctor gave me three to six months and I’m in month four, so I understand I won’t be here for another Christmas, I’d like to nominate Dustin Cook for all the service he’s given over the years,” she said. letter read.
Anonymous ‘Santa Claus’ Pays $65,000 on Debts at Tennessee Walmart: ‘Christmas Miracle’
Kjerstin, who wrote the letter using her eyes and an iPad because she lost the ability to speak in the final months of her life, said that before her health problems began, the couple “saved a little money to do some fun things for our yard.”
“My Secret Santa request is that Dustin has a comfortable shady spot to read his book,” she added. “He gives the most [and] compassionate person I have ever known.”
Her friend added that Kjerstin’s letter “doesn’t really touch on the amount of love and service he gave her” and that he “always somehow managed to comfort her”, especially in her final months.
A Michigan woman received an 81-pound package from her secret Santa, Bill Gates
Dustin, a local police officer, was recently presented with a special gift — up to $15,000 in free landscaping.
After receiving the gift, Dustin, who had no idea his late wife had written the letter, broke down in tears when it was read to him. “She was amazing, super amazing,” he said, visibly emotional.
In the obituary, Kjerstin was described as “fiercely devoted to her three sons – Dustin, Dylan and Dallas”.
“She had a big heart and touched the lives of so many people by quietly serving and loving them,” the obituary continued. “We will always remember Kjerstin for her wit, sense of humor, thoughtfulness and unusual ability to give.”
Categories: Trends
Source: HIS Education