An Iowa radio station holds a contest every Christmas to grant wishes. This year, they got one that was very different. It was from a woman who died two years ago from cancer.
Of the thousands of Christmas wishes the station has received over two decades, they've never received one like this.
"When you are in receipt of this letter, I will already have lost my battle to ovarian cancer."
Brenda Schmitz of Ankeny wrote the letter more than two years ago, shortly before she died. She had arranged to have a friend keep it.
"Brenda's wish was to, she wanted David to find someone to love him and take care of their boys and help raise them. And when that had happened and he had moved on, it was OK for this letter to be sent and her wish to be granted," said Scott Allen, Iowa radio host.
On Sunday, David heard the letter for the first time.
"My reason for writing 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. I was hoping 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 -- hair, makeup, body massage, clothes, shopping, spa, a weekend getaway, whatever. She deserves it."
"Before Brenda died - the reason I say this is - she had told me she wanted me to move on, hopefully meet somebody," said David Schmitz. "And she goes, 'I know you'll find somebody.' And I said, 'Well, how will I know if she is the right person?' She goes, 'Because you'll know, I'll be there.'"
"Make her smile and let her know her efforts are truly appreciated from me," Brenda's letter said. "For the family, a magical trip somewhere they can all enjoy their company and companionship as a family and create those memories that will be with them forever."
There was one other wish - a big party for the people who cared for her at Mercy Hospital.
"There are people in this world that no matter who they touch they bring something special to that person's life, and Brenda was that kind of person," said Dr. Deborah Turner, oncologist.
"May God bless and keep you safe there. Thanks for this. When you wish upon a star... Brenda."
