Her son's last wish gave her hope and new purpose in life
Woman's World|June 10, 2024
Ben Algar had just started carpentry school when he was diagnosed with cancer and had to leave for treatment. He prayed to return to class but told his instructor, "If I am not able, my mom will go in my place." When he lost his battle, she fulfilled his last request
Bill Holton
Her son's last wish gave her hope and new purpose in life

Ben Algar grew excited as he sifted through the portfolio of house plans his mom, Danita, had been collecting. She and Ben’s dad, Tony, had purchased property in Nova Scotia, Canada, so that after retirement, they could build their dream home.

“I’m going to build it for you, and a little cabin for myself,” Ben told her.

Since he was a little boy Ben had enjoyed building things. He’d gone from LEGO to high school shop class, and now he was enrolled in a carpentry program at Oshawa Ontario’s Durham College.

Ben came home every afternoon excited by what he’d learned. But before he had finished his first year, tragedy struck. Ben started having stomach problems. He couldn’t eat and his belly was distended. Tests revealed he had several soft tissue tumors pressing against his stomach.

When Ben had to drop out of school to undergo chemotherapy, his favorite instructor, Don Fisher, promised Danita they would hold Ben’s place.

But after three rounds of chemo, doctors somberly told the family, “There’s nothing more we can do.”

“I’ll be okay, but I worry what will happen to Mom,” Ben confided to Don during one of the instructor’s frequent visits.

“I’m still praying for a miracle and that I’ll see you front row in class next fall,” Don told Ben.

“I’m hoping for a miracle too,” Ben said. “But if it doesn’t come, I’ll send my mom in my place.”

This story is from the June 10, 2024 edition of Woman's World.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the June 10, 2024 edition of Woman's World.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM WOMAN'S WORLDView All
Christmas morning marvels
Woman's World

Christmas morning marvels

Delight loved ones with prep-ahead breakfasts that are as delicious as they are easy to whip up

time-read
3 mins  |
December 30, 2024
A Christmas list for love
Woman's World

A Christmas list for love

While volunteering at a charity, Sharee Walker meets a charming 'Santa' with whom sparks fly as they bond over spreading holiday cheer

time-read
3 mins  |
December 30, 2024
Veteran gives Christmas trees a second life!
Woman's World

Veteran gives Christmas trees a second life!

Oscar Morris knows firsthand how disabled vets are hesitant to use a cane, but today more than 1,000 former soldiers get around with his special canes that aid balance and display the story of their service

time-read
2 mins  |
December 30, 2024
"God's love is our greatest gift!"
Woman's World

"God's love is our greatest gift!"

From her breakout role as Winnie Cooper on the hit TV show The Wonder Years to authoring 11 acclaimed math books to being a wife, mother and the star of three holiday films this season, one would think Danica McKellar has success down to a science. But life has dealt her some outliers, like a tough divorce and a fear of failure. Here, how faith and family keep her joy-filled and stress-free during the holidays

time-read
3 mins  |
December 30, 2024
"Help! The holidays are exhausting!"
Woman's World

"Help! The holidays are exhausting!"

Here, simple ways to boost your energy levels physically, mentally and emotionally

time-read
2 mins  |
December 30, 2024
She lost 118 lbs at age 56!
Woman's World

She lost 118 lbs at age 56!

Want to unlock your maximum ability to get lean in 2025? Then find a weight-loss app you like and use it on your phone, tablet or computer. Recent studies show the simple strategy can give you such a huge boost, you'll literally quadruple your results compared to dieting without an app. \"If you want to set yourself up for success, it really is the way to go,\" confirms University of Vermont's Jean Harvey, Ph.D., R.D., who has conducted exciting research on the approach. Meanwhile, California reader Debbie Ramos, 56, says she's living proof of how much apps can help. After struggling on every diet under the sun, \"I tried using an app, and it changed everything,\" she shares. \"I'm down 118 pounds so far.\" Keep reading for Debbie's inspiring story and to find the app that can help you most.

time-read
4 mins  |
December 30, 2024
"I'm free of my chronic anxiety!"
Woman's World

"I'm free of my chronic anxiety!"

After suffering from constant worry that impacted her physical and mental health, Joni Ogle, 52, discovered a natural remedy... and its calming effects soon completely changed her life

time-read
2 mins  |
December 30, 2024
Indulge and feel great!
Woman's World

Indulge and feel great!

It's time to eat, drink and be merry! And these clever strategies will help you enjoy your favorite holiday indulgences without body backlash

time-read
2 mins  |
December 30, 2024
Boost muscle and rev metabolism
Woman's World

Boost muscle and rev metabolism

Muscle strength naturally declines around 3% each year after middle age, according to University of Pittsburgh research. But simple strategies help counteract age-related muscle loss (known as sarcopenia) by building lean muscle. This boosts your metabolism and accelerates fat burning, all while increasing your strength!

time-read
1 min  |
December 30, 2024
Soothe arthritis aches naturally
Woman's World

Soothe arthritis aches naturally

Baking cookies with the grandkids, knitting a scarf for a loved one, wrapping gifts-it's the season for fun holiday activities...that may also cause arthritis to flare up. But you don't have to let sore joints stop you from enjoying the most wonderful time of the year. We reveal the easy ways to soothe arthritis pain naturally

time-read
1 min  |
December 30, 2024