One neighborhood in Carmel, Indiana, celebrated an early Christmas over the Labor Day weekend. Lorie Graves, a 50-year-old wife and mother, has been receiving hospice care at home for terminal ovarian cancer and when her husband, Steven, learned she may only have a few weeks left, he wanted her to experience her favorite holiday one last time.
To honor their friend and neighbor, residents pulled out their Christmas decorations and enthusiastically decorated their homes for an early Christmas celebration. Steven also reached out to USA Lighting Direct, who helped out with their lights. The community filled the street with wrapped trees, colorful bushes, decorative deer, and even a Christmas dog display. Neighbor Emily Clem says that everyone came together to give Lorie a view of Christmas.
To thank them, Steven hosted a Christmas block party that included carolers, Buddy the Elf, and live reindeer. Lorie was deeply grateful. In spite of her illness, the effort proved that there was still a place in her life for positivity.
Source: WTSP
photo: GETTY
Photo: SolStock / E+ / Getty Images