PASS IT ON: Boy asks for fishing stories instead of toys for Christmas

By Julie Chin

Click here for updates on this story

    BARNSDALL, Oklahoma (KJRH) — Most kids fill their Christmas wish lists with the latest toys and gadgets, but 10-year-old Brantley Seabolt from Barnsdall has a different kind of request this holiday season.

Instead of asking for presents, Brantley is hoping to receive Christmas cards filled with favorite fishing memories from anglers across the country.

“The number one thing I like to do is go fishing,” Brantley said.

For Brantley, a tackle box is like a treasure chest. His father, Jeremy, introduced him to the sport four years ago.

“We’re fishing, if we’re not working, eating, or sleeping,” Jeremy Seabolt said.

It’s a love that has been passed through generations.

“It’s just always been an escape. Everybody needs something, and I just got lucky that my son’s escape is the same as mine,” Jeremy said.

Brantley has big dreams for his future in the sport.

“When I grow up, I’d like to be a fisherman on TV,” he said.

That’s why the 10-year-old with a twinkle in his eye is tackling Christmas differently this year. Instead of asking for material gifts, he’s requesting something more meaningful – stories.

“I really like to read, so I thought it would be a good idea to ask people for Christmas cards,” Brantley said.

“One thing we really like hearing is fishing stories from people when we’re like at the boat ramps, and docks, and things like that,” Jeremy said.

Brantley is casting a wide net with his request, hoping to hear from fishermen from all 50 states.

“We’re really looking forward to hearing what makes it special to other people,” Jeremy said.

“I’m just ready to read them,” Brantley added.

To help get Brantley started, 2 News reached out to one of the most successful anglers of all time – Edwin Evers, who lives in Oklahoma. The professional bass champion took Brantley’s request one step further by sending an encouraging video message.

“Hey, Brantley! I hear you have a similar passion to what I have for bass fishing. I’m humbled by what is important to you with gifts of letters and stories and memories, that’s really, really cool. I hear you don’t live very far from me. I was your age when I had the bug, the bite to become a professional bass fisherman. I fished a lot of ponds and creeks around my house growing up, and went camping a lot. I’ve got to pinch myself now and then because here I am, I’ve made my living 30 to 40 years later. I want to wish you a Merry Christmas – here’s to catching some big fish and a great 2026. I wish you the best, buddy,” Evers said in his message.

“Yeah, that’s pretty cool!” Brantley responded with excitement.

As the cards roll in, the family will track each state on their ‘Seabolt Squad’ Facebook page, where people can reach out if they want to send a card.

“We’re really looking forward to seeing what we get,” Jeremy said.

The Seabolt family plans to display the cards around their home until Santa’s big night.

“We’re going to sit around and read those stories on Christmas Eve while we wait for Santa to come,” Jeremy said.

Brantley is hoping this Christmas wish catches on.

“It makes my heart feel good when they tell me stuff they remember,” he said.

The cards will become a new collection of treasures – the beginning of what could be the best Christmas fish tale ever told.

“Merry Christmas, and thank you, everyone, for helping me. I hope you catch some big ones,” Brantley said.

You can check out the Seabolt Squad Facebook page here.

You can also mail your cards to Brantley Seabolt, PO Box 90, Barnsdall, OK 74002.

This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting.

Please note: This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.

Cinnabon worker fired after video goes viral of her making racist comments to customers

By WTMJ Web Staff

Click here for updates on this story

    ASHWAUBENON, Wisconsin (WTMJ) — A Cinnabon employee at Bay Park Square shopping mall in Ashwaubenon was “immediately terminated by the franchise owner” after a video went viral showing her making racist comments towards customers.

That’s according to a comment underneath the video posted by the official Cinnabon TikTok account.

“Their actions do not reflect our values or the welcoming experience every guest deserves,” the comment from the official Cinnabon TikTok account continued.

As of Sunday afternoon, the video has racked up more than 86,000 views on TikTok.

In the video, the Cinnabon employee can be heard saying, “I am racist and I’ll say that to the whole entire world.” The video also contains other racist comments and offensive language.

According to a GoFundMe setup by Sabrina Osman to help cover legal fees surrounding this incident, the victims of these comments are a Black Somali Muslim couple.

“My cousin is traumatized and is afraid to be outside now… The racism is getting out of hand nowadays,” part of the GoFundMe description reads.

The Islamic Society of Milwaukee issued a statement on Instagram speaking out against the incident.

“The recent remarks targeting the Somali people and the nation of Somalia are dangerous and dehumanizing,” the statement reads, in part.

“They attack a community that is deeply rooted in Milwaukee and across Wisconsin.”

This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting.

Please note: This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.

13-year-old turns skateboarding competition into holiday toy collection

By Kaylee Staral

Click here for updates on this story

    MILWAUKEE (WTMJ) — At Four Seasons Skate Park in Milwaukee, 13-year-old Bobby Merkt from Delafield is turning his passion for skateboarding into purpose.

Merkt, who has been skating since he was 5, organized his second annual “Skate for Tots” event Saturday night – a skateboarding competition that collects donations for the U.S. Marine Corps’ “Toys for Tots” program.

“The kids that are in need, they need a Christmas like everyone else. They need fun and toys, and I want kids that can’t have that to have that,” Merkt said.

The event has grown significantly since last year, when Merkt collected more than 100 toys for children in need.

He says this year brought more people and sponsors to the competition, which featured both street skating and bowl competitions.

“We all have this one magic wooden toy in common that brings us all together,” Professional skateboarder Dakota White said.

White praised the young organizer’s efforts .

“To get all skaters in the Midwest together, but be able to give back to the community as well, and to have it run by a young, promising skater is a really amazing thing to see,” he said.

For Merkt, skateboarding provides more than just fun – it’s a stress reliever that connects him to a supportive community.

“I love the culture, the people, and the art,” he said. “It gets my mind off of school work and stress and everything.”

The eighth-grader organized the entire event himself, promoting it through his Instagram account.

“I feel good helping some kids out, also helping the building and the skate park out. Just having a good time and making the skate culture come together,” Merkt said.

For those who couldn’t make it to the event, Merkt says there are lots of ways to help this holiday season: donate toys elsewhere or donate your time.

This story was reported on-air by Kaylee Staral and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. WTMJ’s editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.

This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting.

Please note: This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.

How a bullet that started a love story is now a part of Pearl Harbor history

By KITV Web Staff

Click here for updates on this story

    HONOLULU (KITV) — A remarkable World War II love story is now becoming part of Pearl Harbor history.

Alice Beck Darrow, a 106-year-old former Navy nurse, has donated the bullet that once threatened her future husband’s life to the Pearl Harbor National Memorial.

During the attack on Sunday, Dec. 7, 1941, fire controlman Dean Darrow survived torpedoes, gunfire and burning waters before doctors later discovered a bullet lodged in his heart. Alice cared for him as surgeons removed it, and the two fell in love.

The couple eventually got married and raised four children. Surrounded by family and service members, Alice said it was finally time for the bullet to belong to the public.

“All these years I’ve been thinking I’ve gotta put that bullet in a museum because it isn’t fair just to have it in the family, it needs to be somewhere everyone can see it,” Alice shared.

Alice said the donation is bittersweet, but she hopes the bullet will stand as a symbol of survival, sacrifice and the lasting bonds born from war.

This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting.

Please note: This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.

He arrested her for OVI. 10 years later, their friendship keeps her sober.

By Valerie Lyons

Click here for updates on this story

    LEBANON, Ohio (WCPO) — Kimberly Slavens walked through the doors of Ohio State Patrol Post 83 carrying a handwritten card, just as she has every Dec. 5 for the past decade. But this year’s visit was different — it marked 10 years since the OVI arrest that changed her life.

“Brett, I can’t believe that today is 10 years,” Sgt. Brett Lee read from Slavens’ card. “I can never thank you enough for the change that you made in my life. I will be forever grateful to you.”

The card continued: “This year, I was able to see the promises they talked about in recovery. I was able to see my son get married, and I was able to buy a house. All of these are because of sobriety, and that night, 12/5/15, is where my journey started with you. Thank you for all your continued support, Kim.”

It was December 5, 2015, when Lee pulled Slavens over for speeding and failing to signal near her Lebanon apartment complex. It was a routine traffic stop.

Slavens said she had spent the evening drinking six or seven vodka tonics at a local bar, something she said she regularly did back then. She slept on the bar’s couch, thinking she had sobered up enough to drive home the next morning. She was wrong.

“I saw the flashing blue lights, and I knew as soon as I saw the lights that I was in some serious trouble,” Slavens said. “My heart sank because this was my second DUI in 16 months.”

Lee approached the vehicle and immediately detected the problem.

“I could smell a strong odor of alcohol coming from the vehicle,” Lee said.

Slavens failed the field sobriety tests and later failed a breathalyzer at the patrol post. For her, it was a devastating wake-up call.

“I know that was my second OVI, but that wasn’t my second time driving under the influence. It was just the second time I had been caught,” Slavens said. “I could have killed somebody else. I could have killed myself.”

The arrest prompted Slavens to confront her addiction. Three days later, she was in rehabilitation, beginning a journey that would transform her life completely.

A year after her arrest, Slavens returned to the patrol post with a thank-you card. It was the beginning of an unprecedented tradition and unconventional bond.

“Never thought it would happen. It’s never happened before. Can’t think of any other time that I’ve heard other troopers getting a card for an OVI arrest,” Lee said. “What we do is a thankless job. And for her to come in really puts a light on what we do. And that ‘thank you’ really hits hard in our hearts, especially this one … it’s very rare that somebody comes in that we arrested and thanks us.”

The annual visits evolved into a genuine friendship. Lee has been there for Slavens through her struggles, including when she lost her grandmother two years ago and during moments when she questioned her ability to stay sober.

“When I’ve been struggling and just been like, ‘Dude, I don’t know if I can do this anymore,’ he’s like, ‘You can, you’ve got this. We’re in this together,'” Slavens said. “He’s a huge part of my recovery. Even when I struggle, I never want to disappoint him. I never want to be in a place in my life that I can’t show up here on December 5.”

For the 10th anniversary, Lee wanted to create something special. He coordinated with his command to present Slavens with a distinguished service medallion in front of 170 state troopers at the patrol academy in Columbus.

Lee picked Slavens up and drove her to the ceremony. This time, she got to ride in the front seat.

“Getting that award is in the top five moments of my entire life,” Slavens said.

Over the past decade, Slavens has rebuilt her life from the ground up. She’s watched her son get married, purchased her first home, and maintained steady employment — all achievements she directly credits to her sobriety and simple but effective advice from her recovery counselor.

“My only job today is to go to bed sober. I don’t care if you have to go to bed at five o’clock. Just go to bed sober today,” she said. “I’ve done that every day for 10 years.”

The journey hasn’t been without challenges. Slavens said she has dealt with depression, cravings and the mental health issues that often accompany addiction recovery.

“It’s not always been good,” Slavens said. “It’s one of the hardest things that I’ve ever done in my entire life, is just to stay sober.”

But the annual tradition with Lee has provided stability and motivation.

“Even just this meeting alone helps me stay sober,” Slavens said. “It means that much to me.”

For Lee, watching Slavens’ transformation over the years has been deeply rewarding and has reinforced the importance of his work.

“It’s joyful knowing that she’s staying strong, staying sober, living a great life, and just makes me proud to do what I do,” Lee said. “It makes me feel proud to be a trooper, and makes me feel accomplished helping people.”

Lee has met Slavens’ family, and they stay in touch throughout the year. When Slavens closed on her house, Lee was one of the first people she contacted.

“I texted him, and I’m like, ‘You’ll never believe what happened today. I was able to buy a house because you pulled me over,'” Slavens said.

Both said they hope their Dec. 5 tradition will continue for decades to come. Slavens’ son even joked about his hopes for their future meetings.

Slavens hopes her story will inspire others struggling with addiction to seek help. She said that addiction doesn’t discriminate and can affect anyone.

“I was a productive member of society. I worked every day … I was at school. I just had a drinking problem,” Slavens said. “I think that people are scared to admit it because of the judgment, the stigma that comes with it.”

She said she wants people to understand that recovery is achievable for anyone willing to do the work.

“Recovery is possible. We can recover. It’s a lot of work,” Slavens said. “I never thought that I would be here in 10 years, that I would be able to go 10 years without drinking. I just hope that my thanks to him shows that what he does matters.”

This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting.

Please note: This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.

‘So beautiful’: Community hosts farewell celebration for historic 250-year-old tree

By Braden Bates

Click here for updates on this story

    KANSAS CITY, Missouri (KSHB) — Not many things are able to live more than two and a half centuries. However, a tree is being celebrated for its longevity and historic roots as the community prepares to say goodbye.

Community members came together Saturday, Dec. 6, to honor the tree’s legacy.

Frank the Liberty Tree has stood tall in Kansas City since way before our city or state even got their names. It even lived before our nation was founded.

The tree got its name, Frank, from a previous owner of the property where Frank stands.

For some, it may look like any old tree; every year it drops its leaves during the fall and regenerates back in the spring.

However, the burr oak tree is far from being any old tree. It earned a special recognition from the Missouri Department of Conservation in 1976, in celebration of the United States bicentennial. This recognition dedicated the oak as a Liberty Tree.

The Liberty Tree recognition was given to trees alive before 1776, the year the U.S. was founded, according to the Missouri Conservationist.

The tree has lived through many monumental events.

“This tree is pre-Revolutionary War. It’s pre-Louisiana Purchase. It is pre-Civil War, pre-World War I, World War II. All of these incredible things have happened in the world,” said KC Council Member Crispin Rea. “Although probably not much happened right here 250 years ago, other than a bird dropped a seed that turned into this magnificent tree.”

Frank the Liberty Tree will be cut down at the beginning of next year.

“Unfortunately, due to root fungus, we will have to take him down for safety reasons,” said organizer Crystal Beasley.

Beasley said while it’s sad to see a historic tree like this go, she can’t help but think about the centuries of memories it created.

“Thank you to 250 years of giving shade, legacy and protection for this community,” Beasley said.

Diana Wilson and her daughter attended the farewell celebration to see the tree and take in its stature.

“It’s brought me to tears. There’s just a majesty and a presence,” Diana Wilson said.

Angela French said the tree offers a glimpse into history, taking a photo to further preserve Frank’s legacy.

“To realize you’re just a grain of sand in time and, you know, just the small moment of getting to cherish and honor the life that it’s had, it’s just really phenomenal,” French said.

The gathering was marked with a champagne and sparkling cider toast, a celebration of life for Frank the Liberty Tree.

French said in a way, the tree acted sort of like a giving tree.

“You know, it’s just the Shel Silverstein story,” French said. “That legacy of the tree and the story and how many, what it gave to so many different people. It just kind of makes me think of that.”

The owner of the tree, Jessica Thomas, said she moved into the house in August and didn’t realize she’d inherited the historic gem. When she learned of its possible disease, she reached out to the Department of Conservation to see what to do.

With few options on ways to treat the fungus, the department said the tree would have to be cut down.

The company behind the tree’s removal has plans to save pieces. Those at the event were able to sign up to get a piece after the tree is removed.

The cost of removing Frank is on the owners. Beasley set up a GoFundMe to help with the cost of the removal.

This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting.

Please note: This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.

Down syndrome employees find dream job with Kansas City Chiefs

By Ryan Gamboa

Click here for updates on this story

    KANSAS CITY, Missouri (KSHB) — When fans arrive at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium for a Kansas City Chiefs game, they’re focused on the excitement ahead.

But behind the scenes, a dedicated group of employees is working to make that experience memorable through an inclusive partnership that’s changing lives.

Madison Millentree greets fans with infectious energy at the T-Mobile Gate, dancing and offering high-fives, even sometimes hugs, to fans who pass by.

In the club level concourse, Dan Walker keeps busy maintaining the stadium’s cleanliness.

Up in the penthouse, Lola Kernell welcomes guests with a warm smile and helps them with their all-inclusive wristbands.

These three employees are part of a group of about 16 people with Down syndrome working at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium through Down Syndrome Innovations (DSI).

The nonprofit organization helps people with Down syndrome from birth through their aging years. It’s a relatively young partnership between the Chiefs and DSI.

“I hand out these wristbands that I put on their wrists,” Kernell said about her duties. “I greet fans as they come in. It’s amazing. I love it up here. I love the excitement and the energy that people bring. I love that how my team is so supportive of me. I am also grateful for the Hunt family for supporting these types of communities.”

The trio has been working at Arrowhead for three years, building their resumes and growing their independence.

The program aims to help participants find the perfect job match for their skills and interests while making dreams come true.

“This has been a dream for a lot of our individuals just to work in the community and work for the Chiefs. So they’re making a lot of dreams come true,” said Amanda Meyers, director of employment services at DSI. “This just really helps them gain more independence in their life. We just see so much growth that they have more confidence, and they are talking about their job all the time, so proud to be working here. The families even see it at home.”

For Millentree, the job has been transformative on a personal level.

“It makes me feel more grown-up, more independent, too, work with our disabilities,” Millentree said. “I have a big heart, and I love all these people, all these fans. I think it’s my happy place.”

The employees bring a fresh outlook to the organization through their positive attitude and dedication. Kernell takes pride in her role as a self-advocate and helper.

“You’re supposed to be a self-advocate,” Kernell said. “Some people with disabilities don’t feel comfortable in some areas, but I feel comfortable. That’s just me. I’m out there smiling at people, making sure their needs are met. I am just a very helpful and humble person.”

From an employer’s perspective, the Chiefs have found the program to be both manageable and rewarding.

“While it can be scary to start anything new in any industry, this was something that was really doable for us to develop. You can create your own plan to incorporate this into your business,” said Caitlin Petite, director of event services for the Kansas City Chiefs. “I would encourage any employer to explore this as an opportunity. I think it shows management how much we can do, with the support of everyone around us.”

The success of the program has pushed the Chiefs to hire more people and expand departments, creating a blueprint that other sports teams could follow.

Kernell and Millentree both encourage others to pursue their passions and embrace their authentic selves.

“Just go out there,” Kernell said. “If there’s a job out there that you’re passionate about, go for it. But if there’s not a job out there, you can create one yourself.”

Millentree said the key is to “be who you are.”

“Also, be more independent and be strong and care,” she said. “You can do this. We love everything about you … spread the love.”

Dan Walker was a man of few words.

He was all work and focused on the task at hand.

“I say just keep it clean,” Walker said about his approach to the job.

Everyone’s dream job looks different, and for these employees, working at Arrowhead Stadium represents the perfect fit.

When asked about her future goals, Kernell shared her biggest aspiration.

“I just love being here. Maybe one day I can work a Super Bowl,” Kernell said.

This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. KSHB’s editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.

This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting.

Please note: This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.

Longtime Indiana University football fan celebrates historic winning season after 7 decades of support

By Adam Schumes

Click here for updates on this story

    NEW CASTLE, Indiana (WRTV) — A 100-year-old Indiana University football fan who has held season tickets for 70 years will finally see her beloved Hoosiers play for a Big Ten Championship.

Dr. Phyllis Grant, one of the first women to graduate from the IU School of Medicine, has weathered decades of losing seasons from her home near Lincoln Avenue and South Main Street in New Castle.

Now, under coach Curt Cignetti, she’s witnessing the team’s historic turnaround.

“It’s fantastic. I am so pleased after all these decades that we have not just one winning season, but two. It looks like we might go far, doesn’t it?” Grant said.

Grant first purchased season tickets in the 1950s to attend games with her three children. The team’s poor performance never stopped her from missing a season.

“We were terrible. I had a lot of fun just going and whatever. I just never did NOT renew them,” Grant said. “IU had terrible teams, and we never won. For five dollars, I could get season tickets for three kids plus myself, so I got them,” she said.

The retired doctor delivered nearly 2,000 babies in Middletown and New Castle during her 50-year career. She entered IU’s medical program straight from high school in February 1943 during World War II.

Grant continues to attend most games despite the challenges of traveling at her age. When asked about her prediction for IU’s championship run, she remained optimistic.

“Well, of course, we are going to win it all. Not just the Big Ten, but the whole thing,” Grant said with a laugh.

The longtime sports fan has also attended more than 70 Indianapolis 500 races and remains a Bobby Knight supporter.

This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting.

Please note: This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.

Convicted double murderer begs judge for mercy amid sentence modification hearing

By Rachael Wilkerson

Click here for updates on this story

    INDIANAPOLIS (WRTV) — An Indiana woman convicted of murder two decades ago and who once escaped from prison, is now trying to be released and restart her life.

On Friday, a Marion County judge heard a petition to modify Sarah Pender’s 110-year consecutive sentence.

Sarah Pender asked the judge for mercy. She said she deserved to be punished for her role in the 2000 murders of her roommates, but said after 25 years in prison and five years in solitary confinement, she feels she’s paid the price.

“I am asking for a chance to be free and not die in prison,” said Pender.

In 2002, Sarah Pender was convicted of the murders of Andrew Cataldi and Tricia Nordman. Investigators said the victims were shot and their bodies were tossed in a dumpster.

Police used tattoos and neighbors to identify the victims. FBI fingerprints showed they were both fugitives.

The prosecution said Pender was the mastermind, although her ex-boyfriend Richard Hull claims he pulled the trigger and acted alone.

“I bought the gun. I didn’t run away and report the crime, and I helped Rick afterwards. I deserved to go to jail. However, shocked and devastated does not come close to how I felt when I was found guilty of Drew and Trish’s murders,” said Pender.

Pender was sentenced to 45 years for each death.

“I thought the judge would give me 45 years. 110 years was unfathomable,” she said.

In 2008, she escaped from the Rockville Correctional Facility in Indiana.

Police said she developed an intimate relationship with a correctional officer who helped her get away.

Four months later, she was captured in Chicago.

“I felt justice walking down the streets of Chicago,” she said. “I paid a horrible price for it. I spent five years in solitary confinement. I paid for it 10 times over.”

Former Marion County Prosecutor Larry Sells called Pender the female Charles Manson for her manipulation. Now, he believes she played a more limited role and wants Pender to be free. He calls her sentence a major injustice.

“I’ve never seen the former prosecutor, the person who put that person to prison, who advocated for the highest possible sentence, actually come out saying I was wrong, saying this person should be granted relief. It is virtually unprecedented,” said Mark Howard, professor at Georgetown University and co-counsel for Pender.

The 46-year-old was 21 at the time of the murders. Her attorney said age was a mitigating factor for the crime and for her possible release.

“She’s a completely different person,” he said.

If a modified sentence is granted, her mother Bonnie and father Roland said they have a plan and the finances to help their daughter move to Arizona.

“I dream that she’ll be able to just have a chance at life and freedom,” said Bonnie Prosser. “We have a 3-bedroom home, and it’s got a screened-in back porch, fenced-in yard, crazy cats, and two loving old women. You can’t ask for more than that.”

Relatives of both victims opposed the sentence modification.

Pender said she doesn’t expect forgiveness and apologized.

“I am so sorry for the terrible loss that you suffered and for the role I played in it,” she said.

Pender’s family called Friday the most positive day in 25 years.

“So much love and support,” said Prosser.

The judge did not make a decision on Friday. He is holding the petition under advisement. He has thirty days to make a decision.

Pender’s father is hopeful a decision will be made by Christmas.

“I feel quite uplifted by it. Yet, there’s the uncertainty of what comes next,” said Pender. “Hopefully we’ll have a ruling that Sarah can be released, maybe by Christmas. That’s a big hope. But, why not? If you don’t have those hopes and wishes, then they tend to not come true.”

This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting.

Please note: This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.

Mom’s ‘angel tree’ helping grieving parents during holidays

By Robb Coles

Click here for updates on this story

    LEBANON, Tennessee (WTVF) — The holiday season brings joy to many families, but for parents who have lost a child, it can be one of the most difficult times of the year.

One Middle Tennessee mother is helping her family and other grieving parents navigate this painful period by creating a special tradition that honors their children’s memories.

Stacy Rhone of Lebanon knows firsthand the heartbreak of losing a child.

Eight years ago, her 16-year-old son, Ja-Vontay Neal, who went by Tay, died after an acute asthma attack in July 2017.

“I had to take him to the hospital. On the way to the hospital, he passed out, I had to give him CPR,” Rhone said. “He was there for four days, and they declared him brain dead.”

Since then, holidays have been particularly challenging for Rhone, especially that first Christmas without Tay.

“The worst, they’re worst, especially the first year,” Rhone said.

To cope with her grief and honor her son’s memory, Rhone started placing Tay’s picture at the top of her Christmas tree.

Tay was described by his mother as a shy kid who loved school and dreamed of becoming either an architect or a professional wrestler.

However, Rhone’s tree has grown into something much larger than a personal memorial.

Each year, she reaches out on Facebook to other parents who have lost children, asking them to share photos for what she calls her “angel tree.”

“I post about if anybody is interested in sharing their child for my angel tree, for his angel tree, just send me a picture,” Rhone said.

In return, she sends them a picture of Tay.

The exchange helps create a bit of a network of support among parents who understand the unique pain of losing a child.

Every year, more angels are added to the tree, representing children of all ages.

Rhone noted that grief doesn’t discriminate based on age.

“I think his mom said he was 52 when he passed. Like I said, it doesn’t matter the age. It still hurts the same,” Rhone said while holding a picture sent to her.

Rhone wants to ensure other grieving parents know they aren’t alone in their pain.

“Let other parents know that they weren’t alone. I also lost a child, and I didn’t want them to feel like I was, feeling alone. Even though I had my support, I still felt alone,” Rhone said.

For parents facing their first holiday season after losing a child, Rhone offers compassionate advice: do whatever you need to do to get through it.

“If you want to cry, cry, if you want to go out and scream, go out and scream. If you want to spend it with your family, spend it with your family,” Rhone said. “They have to do what makes them feel better. And there’s really no feeling better, but one step at a time.”

Rhone continues to accept photos for this year’s angel tree, providing a meaningful way for parents to include their children in holiday celebrations and connect with others who share their experience.

In addition to the angel tree, Rhone has started a nonprofit in honor of her late son to help people afford their asthma medications.

This story was reported on-air by Robb Coles and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Coles verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.

This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting.

Please note: This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.