Brenda Schmitz is a very special lady: when she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer, she didn’t fall into a black hole. No, she was as admirable as they come and possessing a near supernatural conscience of the days to come, she took charge of the situation. Before all else, she wanted to radiate joy and confidence in spite of her suffering for her husband, David. What she did to have a permanent place in his heart is so unbelievably moving.
Here is a photo of Brenda Schmitz, David’s adorable wife. Shortly before her death, she wrote a letter to her husband. She arranged to have her best friend send the letter to a radio station when David fell in love again. Everything happened, just as she wished.
Here is the full text of the letter:
Dear Star 102.5 radio,
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 has 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 through 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 through 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 one of them then the time presented itself.
We have four boys, Carter, Josh, Justin and my lil’ Max. Max is the youngest at two 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 mot 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 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. Perseverance 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 wit 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
Every year, this radio station grants Christmas wishes. When they received Brenda’s letter, they were moved to tears and wanted to help her as much as possible.
Brenda’s first wish was a spa day for David’s new wife. Brenda wrote: “She deserves it because she is now my boys’ mother. She needs all the strength she can muster.”
She also wished for an unforgettable vacation for the whole family, so they could enjoy themselves. In Brenda’s words: “A united family can triumph over all obstacles”.
And finally, Brenda had a wish for the staff at Mercy Hospital, where she was treated. An evening of joy and entertainment. She had really thought of everything.
David knows that Brenda is still with him. The day she died, there was a magnificent double rainbow. Furthermore, her favorite song was “Somewhere over the Rainbow”. That simply couldn’t have been a coincidence.
Brenda also wrote a letter to Jane, David’s new love. In it she thanked her for everything and wished her all the love in the world.
ALL her requests were met by the radio station and local sponsors — they sent the whole family to Disney World. Unforgettable!
Writing this letter must have been the hardest thing ever for Brenda. Knowing she was going to die and leave her family in this life. Brenda had a pure soul and fought until the end for her family.
Share this magnificent story so that others may learn of her courage, generosity, humility and love.
