Des Moines radio station, KSTZ “Star” 102.5 FM has run a "Christmas Wish" program for over 20 years, but nothing could have prepared them for Brenda Schmitz's request.
The wife and mom of four lost her battle with ovarian cancer two years ago, at the age of 46.
“About a week and half ago we got [her] letter in the mail,” station brand manager Scott Allen told the Des Moines Register. “We’ve been doing the Christmas Wish program for 20-plus years. We’ve never received a wish like this, ever.”
Brenda wanted the station to do something wonderful for her husband, David, and their children, after she was gone.
And so, David was asked to come into the station to have a wish granted, but was told nothing further. As the stunned dad attempted to hold back his tears, host Colleen Kelly started to read his wife's first letter.
"Hello, my name is Brenda Schmitz," it begins. "When you are in receipt of this letter, I will have always lost my battle with ovarian cancer."
Brenda had given specific instruction to a friend, who remains anonymous, to mail her letter to the radio station only when David had found someone new to share his life with.
“I have a wish for David and the boys and the woman and her family if she has kids also,” Brenda wrote. “I want them to know I love them very much and they always feel safe in a world of pain."
Then, came the wishes. First, Brenda asked that David pamper his new partner, Jane. “Thank you. I love you, whoever you are," she wrote.
Next, she asked for a "magical trip" for the family, somewhere were they can "create those memories that will be with them forever.”
And finally, Brenda asked that the cancer nurses and doctors in her unit at Mercy Medical Center be treated to a night out "for all they do every day for the cancer patients they encounter.”
Incredibly, due to local sponsors, all three wishes were granted.
"There wasn’t a dry eye in the room when we got [the letter]," Allen said, according to the Register. “It really inspired us to do something for her... There was no question that we were going to do something for this wish. It was what could we do that would be deserving of Brenda’s name and memory.”
Watch the station's incredible video of David hearing his wife's letters for the first time and head over to the Register's site to see an interview with David about what his experience has been like.
David and Jane with their children today.
Support HuffPost
Our 2024 Coverage Needs You
Your Loyalty Means The World To Us
At HuffPost, we believe that everyone needs high-quality journalism, but we understand that not everyone can afford to pay for expensive news subscriptions. That is why we are committed to providing deeply reported, carefully fact-checked news that is freely accessible to everyone.
Whether you come to HuffPost for updates on the 2024 presidential race, hard-hitting investigations into critical issues facing our country today, or trending stories that make you laugh, we appreciate you. The truth is, news costs money to produce, and we are proud that we have never put our stories behind an expensive paywall.
Would you join us to help keep our stories free for all? Your contribution of as little as $2 will go a long way.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
As Americans head to the polls in 2024, the very future of our country is at stake. At HuffPost, we believe that a free press is critical to creating well-informed voters. That's why our journalism is free for everyone, even though other newsrooms retreat behind expensive paywalls.
Our journalists will continue to cover the twists and turns during this historic presidential election. With your help, we'll bring you hard-hitting investigations, well-researched analysis and timely takes you can't find elsewhere. Reporting in this current political climate is a responsibility we do not take lightly, and we thank you for your support.
Contribute as little as $2 to keep our news free for all.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
Dear HuffPost Reader
Thank you for your past contribution to HuffPost. We are sincerely grateful for readers like you who help us ensure that we can keep our journalism free for everyone.
The stakes are high this year, and our 2024 coverage could use continued support. Would you consider becoming a regular HuffPost contributor?
Dear HuffPost Reader
Thank you for your past contribution to HuffPost. We are sincerely grateful for readers like you who help us ensure that we can keep our journalism free for everyone.
The stakes are high this year, and our 2024 coverage could use continued support. If circumstances have changed since you last contributed, we hope you’ll consider contributing to HuffPost once more.
Support HuffPostAlready contributed? Log in to hide these messages.