Young mother whose husband recently drowned is left speechless with gifts from Secret Santa

#EastIdahoSecretSanta #SecretSanta #EastIdahoNews
www.eastidahonews.com/secret-...
The EastIdahoNews.com team is busy this holiday season helping a local man gift $1 million to deserving people in eastern Idaho. Secret Santa is a real person who wants to remain anonymous and hopes to bless as many individuals in our community as he can.
Three months ago, Maria’s 26-year-old husband, Kevin, drowned in an accident while they were living in Alabama. Kevin had just graduated with a bachelor's degree and was applying to medical school when he died.
Maria and her 18-month-old son, Ethan, moved to Ammon to live with her mother in an apartment. Maria does not have a vehicle and drives for Uber to make money.
Maria is now working to finish her associate's degree online and hopes to get into a nursing program.
She was adopted from Romania when she was 4 years old and raised by her single mother, who later adopted a son with autism.
Maria is so grateful for the life she has and is always kind and helpful to everyone around her.
Secret Santa asked the East Idaho News elves if we would visit Maria with an early Christmas gift. Watch the video above to see the surprise!

[@aidenrasmussen2363]

I was one of the officers who worked her Husband's case. She was such a sweet lady to work with and was so distraught. I am very glad she has gotten this. She deserves it.

[@strongheartwoman1931]

Wow, thank you for doing such a difficult, thankless job! Please watch over this beautiful family, there is something very special about Maria, she is an amazing young woman. Merry Christmas to you and yours, sir!

[@aidenrasmussen2363]

@@strongheartwoman1931 Thank you for your support! I am always watching over her family and praying. Merry Christmas.

[@strongheartwoman1931]

@@aidenrasmussen2363 My pleasure! I'm so happy to know that you are protecting them. Thank you so much! Please let her know that people all over the world are praying for her & her family and wishing them the best of everything! God bless you and yours!

[@aidenrasmussen2363]

@@strongheartwoman1931 I will continue to pray for them. I sadly lost touch with her because I work with the Alabama State Police. She has moved to Idaho. But she will never leave my heart as I know the pain she goes through. If you see an officer on the streets, please thank them. They do the best they can. And if you ever get the pleasure to meet this woman, tell her Trooper Rasmussen says hi!

[@strongheartwoman1931]

@@aidenrasmussen2363 Thank you for your kind answer! You are a very special man, your state is blessed to have you. ldaho is very beautiful, I drove through that state on my way to helping my best friend move to Portland OR years ago. I would love to meet her and Ethan but I don't think that will happen, as I live on my organic farm in western New York state.☹ I do thank police, firefighters and EMT's when I see them, I've also brought them cookies & coffee lol. Stay safe dear heart, and have a blessed Christmas! 🎄❄⛄🙏😇😘

[@cristywhite484]

When someone says “No, it’s more than what I need”, it’s exactly what they needed, but would never ask for ❤️🎄🎅🏻

[@sleeplessinthecarolinas8118]

Yes! ♥️

[@krystynach.6084]

perfectly well said ♥

[@ptmy8590]

Truth.

[@rebeccaspence2255]

Babymom

[@sandrabieckmann2187]

You are wise...

[@MrMhowe86]

“This is beyond what I need” - that tells you all you need to know about this woman. Great things in her future!

[@shannapink801]

I had that same thought!! She is a Beautiful soul! ❤️💙💜

[@leslieleslie6590]

Yes-Matt Howe love your Gamecock symbol!

[@rebeccacampbell8020]

She didn’t have a car, but, said it was beyond her needs. So humble. God bless her. What a cute little boy, too!

[@yvonnemurray5537]

I love that she said a thank you from her husband…”he not here, but he’s here” Betcha she’ll make a top notch, compassionate nurse. Merry Christmas! So deserving. Her happiness with these awesome and point on gifts just made me cry.

[@brucek5578]

Amazing wonderful

[@002lisamarie]

She certainly does xxx

[@Senaleb]

So happy for her, the pain of losing her husband won't ever fade, but perhaps the kindness can help her begin again.

[@nancydiehl296]

The fact that she also thanked her Secret Santa on behalf of her husband just brought me to tears. Wishing the best for her and her son.

[@bhumphries1360]

Well said, Senaleb.

[@kevinmcgiffin10]

The kindness of others always helps rebuild your foundation after such a tragedy like she went through. ❤

[@ohyeahthatsright3155]

“This is beyond my needs”. She has a humble heart.

[@moonbeamsrainbows3080]

Absolutely!

[@AUDIONOIR100]

Nate's sensitivity and social awareness is absolutely, categorically masterful. What a great human!

[@nbaoldgirl]

You’re so right. I loooove him!

[@kcindc5539]

Oh. My. God. She’s wonderful. And that accent all the way up in Idaho is a riot! You just know she’s going to accomplish every single thing in life she sets her mind to. This, ladies and gentlemen, is what someone who is about to become an unstoppable force of nature looks like.

[@MegaSnow121]

That photo at the end of the three of them, touched me to tears. She's right: her husband is watching over her and his son. God bless the whole family, including her mom.

[@kevinsavasci7311]

Sorry to burst your bubble and the people who liked your comment the dead don't watch over no one.

[@Susanne382]

@@kevinsavasci7311 Yes they do!

[@terriemartinez9989]

@@kevinsavasci7311 Considering you are not dead, nor have ever been dead, I think your "Source of Information" is only "Your Opinion".

[@MelodysRem]

@@kevinsavasci7311 I have a hard believing people watch over us but you never know, so don't go around saying things u don't know about just to be an a*s

[@guyguy1886]

@@kevinsavasci7311 your parents really held back when showing you love and it shows

[@writerpb]

If she didn’t already love Idaho before… I imagine she REALLY thinks it’s great now! Bless her and her son. What a tragic loss for the two of them.

[@thiscatrblx9641]

I love Idaho now. And I'm in 🇨🇦

[@writerpb]

@@thiscatrblx9641 I love Idaho too. I’m in Los Angeles, California. (I think our city flag is a dumpster fire.)

[@thiscatrblx9641]

@@writerpb 🤣.. well sending some love from 🇨🇦

[@writerpb]

@@thiscatrblx9641 thank you so much! 😊

[@cathygutkowska1753]

@@thiscatrblx9641 Also sending love from 🇨🇦 . There needs to be MANY more feel good stories like this coming out of America instead the doom and gloom broadcast every day. God bless you and your loved ones and God bless the U.S.A. ❤

[@GemStar1124]

I can feel her energy...she's in shock but definitely know this was divinely inspired. Blessings to her & son .. Secret Santa you Rock 💞

[@davidz1681]

That little boy was so well behaved. That young lady deserves everything the received. God Bless.

[@Caitecakess]

She’s such a happy vibrant soul! Blessings to them! Terribly sorry for their loss 💔🙏🏼

[@Beun007]

If you really know her, than please say hi from the Netherlands for me...

[@josegonza1ez]

So heartbreaking. They are so young and such a beautiful couple!

[@thejoshsings894]

Me too,caite.

[@Mckatt2]

This was just such a beautiful reaction from this woman.

[@contentedspirit9022]

These struggling single moms who are left under such tragic circumstances just break my heart. Secret Santa is a wonderful person. Thank Nate for being the best elf ever!

[@Jibbie49]

This is why it is so important to have Life Insurance on a husband when you have children. This accidental death would have paid out double.

[@i.03983]

@@Jibbie49 getting life insurance is like putting a sign on your back that says kill me

[@Jibbie49]

@@i.03983 LOL, Google says: In 2020, 54 percent of all people in the United States were covered by some type of life insurance, according to LIMRA's 2020 Insurance Barometer Study. (That is 177,930,000 signs to deal with.)

[@SC-ni5me]

@@i.03983 Nah getting life insurance when your younger is smart. Especially ones with saving aspects. Any manner of disease can happen to a person while they are still alive..and try getting affordable life insurance then ..next to impossible and if you do get it the premiums are crazy expensive. I even started one for my child when she was little, she will have a paid off policy by 30.

[@ThePandalanda]

I can’t stop crying now. What a beautiful gesture for a beautiful family. Thank you Nate and everyone else for all you do for people who needs it most. Thank you Secret Santa for being so selfless and so caring. You are an angel.

[@bobp1016]

When they say, “This is more then I need or I don’t deserve this,” it just tears me apart. These people need it and absolutely deserve it. God bless them and God bless the secret Santa who makes this possible.

[@Rock_K9]

“Thank you so much, sir”. A very respectful and grateful young woman. You’ve changed her life Secret Santa. Beautiful. 🎅🏼

[@darleneachille491]

Yes he has, by The GRACE OF GOD!!!

[@AMYV3]

Having been were she is .. they HAVE changed her life ♥️♥️

[@WubsAndSubs]

@@AMYV3 Merry Christmas to you and your loved ones, i hope you have found healing in whatever pains you

[@cynthiam3943]

I’m running out of tissues! I love Nate and East Idaho News, I’m from the UK and I watch every year. The way Nate does it is so gentle, he seems such a lovely man😘😘😘👏👏👏👏👏👏👏🇬🇧

[@melnason7825]

Agree with everything you said......I'm even from the UK too. This segment really pulls on my heart strings but it's so amazing. For people going through such tragedies it must be lovely just to know someone is thinking of them x

[@50sRockChick]

I’m from the U.K. and feel the same. Nate is perfect for this.

[@cynthiam3943]

@@melnason7825 I know, it must really lift their spirits 👏👏❤️🇬🇧

[@cynthiam3943]

@@50sRockChick He is isn’t he, he’s a lovely man and a great journalist too. I don’t know if you saw the work he did on the Lori and Chad Daybell case ?

[@sandeedobberstine5591]

Secret Santa put a smile on a grieving widow. The hope he has given her is priceless, not to mention helping raise her child. You sir are a God send!

[@MamaBakerElisabethBaker]

This young lady is so grateful. She seems to be a really incredible person, and I can see myself loving to be her friend. Kudos.

[@heidipatton5858]

With all the horrible stuff going on every day...it's nice to be able to find people trying to do good in the world.

[@wildbill23c]

Very true...watching these every day is so uplifting, wish they had stuff like this all year...I could watch them every day. When you work in a thankless job, coming home and watching some of these is very heartwarming and uplifting.

[@Mysteriousheadlines]

@@wildbill23c they do feel Good Friday year round where they honor someone in the community.

[@bhumphries1360]

I like to thank we have many people in this world doing great things for others. They are just doing it behind the scenes. I've seen many great things in my life. I once saw a man come into Walmart and pay for everyone's items. My mom helped our neighbor everyday. And because of her help, our neighbor.lady was able to stay out of a nursing home. There are many great people among us all the time.

[@paulhayashi2060]

I'm retired so I religiously look for the latest segment every day. Keep up the good work and thank you Secret Santa!!!

[@patriciadring5454]

Me too, all the way from South Africa

[@teresagardner2844]

I’m in TN not retired, just a nurse and mom of 2. I love these stories 🥰❤️🎅🏻

[@jasonformann4980]

She is so beautiful, her soul shines so bright

[@davedavis3963]

Crazy how an act of kindness can change not just one life, but travel across the world and soften thousands of hearts.

[@50sRockChick]

Aww she’s beautiful and what a lovely family they were. What a sad story. Thank you secret Santa for making her life a little easier.

[@cavelleardiel]

I think Secret Santa owns a car dealership!! lol I wish this young lady a beautiful life. I am sure she will make a outstanding nurse.

[@snow_whyte8688]

Her husband in heaven put this in motion, she will keep that car forever, they did more then they'll ever know for her and her son. God bless you ❤️

[@janicecanfield9211]

I think we all can see that Maria will give back once she's able to. And that's what Secret Santa is all about. Hugs to Maria.

[@mariedillon1403]

How awful to lose your husband at such a young age. Wishing her and her son a very happy Christmas and everything good going forward❤️☘️💐💐💐💐

[@analogidc1394]

I know we're only here for a limited time on earth, but it's so sad when they're young and still at the beginning of their life. I wish her a wonderful Christmas, and that she enjoys every moment with her son.

[@tyc1Z.Z1]

Very sad. But people do find life partners once again

[@catH727]

What a blessing

[@moewilson4605]

A strong person. I have a 91 year old friend whose husband passed too at the young age of 25 to polio so long ago. She went back to her hometown with a wee baby. She survived to go on as will this young lady, always carrying her husband in her heart. Thanks Secret Santa.

[@analogidc1394]

@@moewilson4605 Well said!

[@ralphs3012]

That photo at the end though… yes, he’ll always be with you.

[@mlyniecm]

She had one of the most heartfelt reactions of 2021. Always nice when you can tell they haven’t seen these videos

[@pampennyworth]

She’s going to be a wonderful nurse. So much compassion. I wish her so much luck in the future. 😘

[@stk6755]

O yes ,she will not TOTTOS no crazy earing in nose She spend her money for they little one and education 🌹🌹🌹🌹 Sorry ,do not like people spend money for stupidity 😡

[@Odinist]

You can tell she's the type that is going to wait to be alone to break down and cry because she's had to look like she's holding tough for so many other people. So I'll shed a tear for her 😓 Gods bless

[@Diane_Phoenix]

God bless Secret Santa, East Idaho News and you Nate. You are changing lives for the better.

[@disneyismorethanthemeparks6898]

I agree 100%! Not only through these but also the Feel Good Friday’s!

[@nigelwest3430]

60 years old, sitting here with tears in my eyes, Wishing I had the money to do things like this.

[@victoriapyke5453]

She had me smiling so much my face hurt! She's been through so much in her life, yet still glows with positivity. What a blessed little boy to have her for his momma ❤️

[@davidgoodrich1258]

This is probably my favorite one this year so far. Blessings to this woman and her boy. Merry Christmas Maria you are absolutely beautiful.

[@paulabeaton5967]

My favorite as well!!

[@billfleming8281]

Truly beautiful family , my favorite of the year as well . I have tears in my eyes watching !

[@classyviper1one]

This young woman is gratefulness personified, that's why it's the best!

[@Mckatt2]

Me too, this was I think my favorite one so far

[@christophermcdonough1353]

Love her look of disbelief, with each gift she opened, may her and Ethan have a wonderful Merry Christmas and a blessed and healthy New Year!!

[@darleneachille491]

Amen Christopher!!!

[@lindachennault7222]

Don' t forget her mother. She is her mainstay in her grief and grieved herself for she lost a son and has grieved for not only him but for her daughter and grandson and relatives and friends. Death just doesn't affect just one or two people. Though the mother and baby suffered the greatest loss and I thank GOD for secret Santa and all that he does. And best wishes for this family. HEAVENLY FATHER, I pray they will put GOD first in their lives, in JESUS' NAME, AMEN.

[@terrihouchins1829]

Whoever the secret Santa is, you have blessed this family beyond words, God bless you!

[@oxigenarian9763]

Secret Santa is a wonderful, unselfish person. The joy he is bringing will be repaid time and time again....

[@rramanamahesh]

The way nate tells merry Christmas at end of the last gift is a feeling beyond expression.

[@MrPinkCookieMonster]

my guy said the happiest two words you can say one followed by the other....and my heart broke

[@loveforeignaccents]

Her son is beyond adorable. RIP.

[@DEEDEEGARRETT1]

I agree. He looks like the nice neighbor boy.

[@geisalagordon9966]

What a beautiful and very shocked young widow. She was genuinely appreciative. And glad a pic of the whole family was shown.

[@Tunapie]

Rest in peace to her husband. I wish her and her son all the best.

[@river8760]

Maria you’re an incredible person, I’m so sorry for your huge loss. You absolutely deserve some joy and these gifts 🎁.

[@sircasm6578]

Confession: as a 51 yr old, 6'4, 240 lb guy.. I cry every time 😂😂

[@Senaleb]

No shame there.

[@scooterbaby1]

As a 60 yr. old 5'3" 125 lb female....So do I. LOL

[@RennieAsh]

I get to take 1/2 your stats with roughly half the age XD

[@50sRockChick]

Nothing wrong with that.

[@censorbleep3018]

Pfft, I'm shorter and I don't cry.

[@JohnJohn-cu7nk]

Whoever did this for the young family is the one in a million. Kindness is the best you can be🥰

[@paulthomas5901]

The elves looked especially emotional in this one. Well done, Secret Santa. 😭🙏♥️

[@qreeneyez916]

Here comes the water-works again. I watch almost every single one of these vidoes, and I cry ugly tears every time. All of these people are so amazing & for secret Santa to want to help, is even more amazing. God bless everyone in this including the East Idaho News Crew. 🥲💙💙

[@isisemkeb]

Not ugly tears. Happy tears. But just like you the flud-gate is open every time.

[@carieb6396]

I just cried 😢. Now it's 2:35a.m. time to go to work again.

[@Daazeee]

It’s good to cry and feel these good feelings we get while watching these videos 😇

[@isisemkeb]

@@Daazeee - Oh yes. It makes us feel how we can take health, family, things, friends for granted.

[@bruwalter8141]

Thank you, Secret Santa & Team. God bless you all! 👑🙏 Greetings from Switzerland 🇨🇭

[@20tessyluv]

This one really made me cry! What a beautiful gift for this young widow and her son!

[@dibakarchakraborty8712]

It's so wonderful to watch these stories.

[@mythoughts6922]

I really liked her, and just her reaction to the first gift card, was much more appreciative than most .

[@kathleenardrey5094]

What an awful loss of a fine man, husband, and father. Sad to see such a young widow. She and their sweet toddler boy have gifts to keep them going. May she carry on with the help of her mother and Secret Santa. Who's chopping onions in the kitchen this late at nigh?!!

[@dianee7778]

I hope the rest of her life is filled with happiness and love. God bless!

[@glynn5455]

Watched these all last year as they were released, and several times since. I hope you'll be doing a Secret Santa update with her. She stood out as being so appreciative, upbeat despite her situation and just all-round lovely. Amazing smile too. Hope she's doing well

[@zedellagentry527]

I live in the Appalachian mountains of Virginia,but i started watching secret santa a few years ago..I love watching it..

[@joytoyouandme4593]

Oh man Secret Santa, you have me crying again.

[@brianjl7477]

Welcome to East Idaho - I've never seen a place where even the people of meager means take care of each other so much. The Secret Santa is a blessing to these truly deserving people.

[@cottoncandy4486]

After what she has been through, this is truely a blessing. Bless you secret Santa.

[@joanmilano5302]

That was so touching! What a sincere thank you. You can tell she is a great mom, I pray for strength for her.

[@flyme2009]

To loose her husband that young age she deserves a house 🏠👍

[@doodles3075]

I've watched many of these but this is the first that has actually made me cry. There's just something about this lady that radiates from her. So sad that a little boy has lost his dad at such a young age. I'm sure his dad will continue to watch over both of them.

[@suzyq5629]

What a beautiful human to bless this Mama and her little boy! God Bless you Secret Santa❤️

[@shininglight2211]

When I'm feeling down / sad all I need to do is watch a secret Santa video makes me feel good and the Friday feel good videos I'm in Calif and love to watch secret Santa u r a blessing to so many an earth angel sent from the heavens to so many oh and can't forget Nate u r the best secret Santa helper along with ur crew😊

[@judymiles7186]

I loved that she said her husband was there, too. Now, excuse me while I cry more happy tears, thanks to secret Santa.

[@evelyndaly29]

I know I always say this, but that was seriously the best Secret Santa ever. I am ever so grateful to Idaho!!

[@nordzrogador6777]

the vibes and energy shes giving out never lie. Shes a nice person with beautiful heart. Her and her son, deserve it all and all the best in the world ahead.

[@francoad]

Amazing as always. She deserves this excellent Christmas. Thank you Secret Santa. You are Amazing!!!!

[@TravisBiggie]

yall really know how to hit the feels in the end with the family photo, RIP

[@pinkiesvlogs2]

I was crying before we even got there. Young families that get smacked with troubles really get me in my soft spot. Merry Christmas, little mama You got this and are gonna be just fine. Happy holidays maria and Ethan And your whole family.

[@illstuffamattresswithyou5657]

Maria, may all your dreams come true! You WILL make an amazing nurse!

[@muzzahills8170]

What a miracle, Idaho secret Santa is so giving it’s beautiful. I hope they do well with all the love and support around them 🙏

[@braydonwinterbottom2202]

This is awesome! She deserves it! Very humble and deserving!

[@oystersnag]

I'm thinking that I want to move to East Idaho just so I can try and be a part of this team. In nearly 40 years of life, I've never been able to figure out what I want to be when I grow up, but these people have shown me what I want to be a part of. Thanks secret Santa and East Idaho news.

[@xo2quilt]

You can start it where you are! I'm sure East Idaho news would tell you how they got it started.

[@brdf7900]

God is great. This woman's sincerity is so genuine. Secret Santa, and the staff which helped make this happen. You are angles. God bless, and Merry Christmas.

[@poca723]

What a lovely young woman. I’m saddened at the unfortunate events since I lost a close friend the same way. He passed away just a month before his twins were born. I wish the best for this family. God bless.

[@lizstewart7113]

So sorry for the loss of your good friend. Prayers for you & his family...that God will give you His continued peace & grace.❤

[@bensev1]

Im crying!! Thank you Secret Santa for all the blessings you are giving!!😍🥰

[@melaniegreen1311]

What a sweet, humble young mother. Her son is adorable. Definitely another well deserved secret santa gift recipient. My prayers go out to her and her son during this new chapter in their lives.

[@WillF1980]

Her facial expressions say it all. I’ve seen this one like 10 times and it still makes me cry.

[@jjellybelmo4]

Darn it! She got me with the thank you from her husband! Now I'm crying again with these videos ❤️

[@32prettyblue]

Oh thank you Santa for lifting her soul and taking care of her.

[@fidelmabrennan3249]

P

[@cherylhodges7263]

And I am sobbing, I believe...kindness to others is still alive and thriving. Maria & Ethan will go far because of Idaho's Secret Santa!

[@samuelcolon9569]

I love her reaction she is truly grateful her husband is looking over her and smiling right now

[@sonofasinner86]

This is amazing idk who the person is who did this but God bless them an to Maria an ur son may God keep blessing u both

[@MsBlue-od7rg]

God bless this young mother. Prayers for her becoming a nurse.

[@georgina-a]

She seems to have such a pure and humble heart, that I can see her becoming a fantastic nurse! Hopefully, this support from Secret Santa will help her overcome the obstacles in her way, because she truly would be an asset to the nursing profession 💕

[@rnupnorthbrrrsm6123]

Secret Santa, I hope you are sitting at home watching all the joy, shock, disbelief and life changing moments you are giving people !!!! It’s easy to envy others receiving such gifts when there are so many trials but what I truly envy is being in your shoes and feeling the joy you must feel seeing how you have helped others !!! There is no material thing that can give me joy more than giving to others. Thank you for your generosity and selfless giving to so many deserving people, you are truly special !!! Gods blessings to you secret Santa 🥰

[@pamelahunter2053]

Such a beautiful young mother and baby! Amazing interaction in every detail...the baby knew the car was something special... So utterly sweet.

[@tigerual]

Wow! I wish I can do that one day. It's very hard not to get motivated to be kind after watching these videos. God bless you all.

[@LuisVazquez-et7yp]

Ive been watching Secret Santa for the past year there's so many of emotional videos but this one really touch me.

[@allichristianson4165]

With every gift she opened I got more tears and when her and baby Ethan got in their new car and she mentioned her husband it was game over. I hope her and her family have an amazing Christmas like they deserve!!!

[@thecentralscrutinizer304]

These are so powerful and moving. With so much hate, cold heartedness, death and division in the world, this kind of stuff is such a relief to see.

[@fawnjenkins7266]

Wow! So wonderful! Such a deserving mother and child. 💞 God bless you all!

[@debihowell7545]

God bless all involved

[@macsloan58]

She will heal slowly and raise a wonderful son who will always be told of his father’s love.

[@deborahdyck7398]

Oh how sweet she is! She deserves this and so much more! Amazing!

[@nickiph1]

This just makes my heart break and burst with joy at the same time. I'm so sorry she lost her husband, but I'm thrilled she has support through this tough time. God bless her and her family. God bless Secret Santa and everyone else.

[@billwilson5341]

Maria is blessed to have such a terrific Mother for support.

[@katiedubuque7481]

Maria is just an absolute sweetheart. I was moved to tears❤️

[@joshijoshi6308]

I live in Alabama, and I remember when this accident happened. The funeral was broadcast on FB Live. It was so very sad. Seeing his wife receiving all these blessings from Secret Santa makes me so very happy. Merry Christmas to Secret Santa, Nate and the East Idaho News crew, and all the so very deserving recipients of Secret Santa's generosity.

[@CrumblyTriscuits]

Her son is so adorbs with that Woody hat! Hugs for everyone I'm bawling my eyes out! 😭👌🎄Thank you secret Santa! 🎅