Dakota Nelson and his wife Ream were having a fun afternoon together in their garage. They were laughing and enjoying a family project together. It was a normal day like any other, until Dakota left for a few minutes to find another tool. When he returned, he found his beloved wife unconscious. Her face was blue and she wasn’t breathing.
Dakota desperately applied CPR while his 11-year-old boy called 911 for help. By the time she received treatment from first responders, Ream’s brain had gone nearly 20 minutes without oxygen. She spent several weeks in a coma before passing away at the age of 38. Doctors still do not know the exact cause of death.
Now a widower, Dakota found himself raising seven children alone. His kids range in age from 1 to 16-years-old. Dakota took on 3 part-time jobs to cover his family’s financial needs.
Once news of Dakota’s situation spread, an anonymous donor decided to spread some holiday cheer and found a way to donate $10,000 to the Nelson family.
Related Posts
What the “M” on Your Palm Can Teach You About Purpose and Inner Strength
For generations, people have turned to palmistry as a way to reflect on life’s direction, personality, and hidden strengths. Learning how to read your own hand begins…
Which Chair Are You Drawn To? A Quiet Reflection on the Connections That Shape You
Some people pass through our lives like short seasons, while others stay long enough to leave permanent marks on who we become. Imagine stepping into a quiet…
How One Family Navigated a Medical Crisis That Redefined Hope
When health changes arrive quietly, it’s easy to underestimate their seriousness. In 2022, a Texas family learned this firsthand when Steven Spinale began feeling increasingly unwell over…
How a Minneapolis Community Is Coping After the Death of a Local Nurse
In late January 2026, Minneapolis was deeply affected by the fatal shooting of Alex Jeffrey Pretti, a 37-year-old intensive care nurse and U.S. citizen, during a federal immigration…
How Scientists Approach Unusual Wildlife Sightings Without Jumping to Conclusions
When reports surface about something out of the ordinary in nature, the first step is learning how to listen carefully. In the lower Rio Grande Valley near…
How to Recognize Early Breast Changes and Take Action With Confidence
Sometimes it’s a small, unexpected change that makes you pause—something you notice in the shower, a difference in the mirror, or a mild discomfort that feels new….