Holiday music filled the air as Jackie Culley and her new friend, Dani Madsen, sat down for lunch in the festively decorated restaurant. But neither woman was feeling the Christmas spirit. The two had met through Jackie's hairstylist-Dani's sister-in-law-who felt they could offer each other much-needed comfort and support.
Jackie's 20-year-old son, Riley, had been diagnosed with bone cancer when he was 17. Treatment had put him in remission, but the cancer had recently returned and this time, there was no hope. And an inoperable brain tumor meant this Christmas would likely be Dani's last.
"I wish I could take my husband and kids on a special holiday getaway," Dani said. "Unfortunately, my doctors said I can't travel too far."
Instantly, Jackie got an idea. Her South Jordan, Utah, family had a cabin in nearby Bear Lake.
"You're welcome to use it," she offered.
"That would be wonderful!" Dani beamed.
Driving home, Jackie's mind swam with possibilities. "Let's give them a real celebration," she told her husband, Paul, and kids, Mallory, Riley and Levi.
"This is fun!" Mallory said as they wrapped gifts for Dani, her husband, and their three kids.
"Bigger!" Levi insisted when the family went tree shopping. Then two days before Christmas, they spent a fun-filled day decking out the cabin.
This story is from the December 19, 2022 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.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the December 19, 2022 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.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Too tired to lose weight?
Millions of us would love to drop a few pounds and get healthier.
4 foods that curb dementia risk
When it comes to protecting your brain, certain foods might be even more beneficial than you'd expect. Everyday eats like almonds, black beans and grape juice—staples you likely already have in your pantry—could help reduce the risk of dementia by delivering nutrients known to support long-term brain health. Here, our roundup of the best foods that help keep your memory sharp for years to come
Laugh your way healthy!
Who knew? Laughing out loud is a proven health booster. Here, all the ways being in stitches tunes up your body and mind.
This avid reader is on a mission to spread joy!
Emily Bhatnagar loves books, and when her dad was diagnosed with thyroid cancer, they offered a refuge from her fears and worries. It was such a blessing that she’s given away 25,000 books to children’s hospitals!
This special shop offers kindness and hope to people in need
As a licensed social worker, Ben Davey found that he had a constant tug on his heart to help others. Before long, he and his wife, Heather, decided to make it official by starting Benny’s Bodega, a special store’ to help those struggling find necessities...and hope!
"Help me get my 'sparkle' back!"
Here, easy ways to reclaim the shine that makes you you—and fan the flames of your joie de vivre
"Say YES to your life!"
Some people spend a lifetime searching for their purpose, but beloved Black-ish and Princess and the Frog actress and acclaimed author Jenifer Lewis discovered her calling to be an entertainer at an early age. And over the years, she's had to overcome poverty, being diagnosed with bipolar disorder and a near-fatal fall to keep living that dream. Here, Jenifer's secrets to turning challenges into chances to harness joy
Skiing slopes into love
Carol rekindles more than just her love of snow sports on a weekend away at a ski resort when she runs into an old flame
Dodge the sneaky cause of bad breath
\"Tonsil stones are small lumps made from food debris, bacteria or dead cells in the pockets of the tonsils,\" says Brynna Connor, M.D. They affect up to 40% of people and often go unnoticed. \"But larger stones or multiple stones can cause bad breath, sore throat or white or yellow lumps in the tonsils,\" says Dahlia Philips, M.D. Here, tips get rid of them
"Breathing cured my anxiety!"
When every corner of Jennifer Bauer's life was overtaken with worry and stress, it was nearly impossible to concentrate or sleep. After years of living with constant panic, painful regrets and disturbing thoughts that swirled in her mind, she decided something had to change. Then she discovered the key that unlocked joyful calm
