Ameil Kieu is a gentle, hard-working woman who puts in an impossible number of hours to support her family: 16-year-old twins Ngor and Achan Alwir; 15-year-old Agange Alwir; Glory Alwir, who’s 10; Grace Alwir, who’s 8; and 3-year-old Georgina Alwir. They’re incredible kids, and she’ll do whatever it takes to provide for them. That means working full-time as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) at a Bryan family practice office, then picking up shifts on evenings and weekends at the hospital. That’s just what you do when you’re a mom.

Projecting caring and kindness

If you were to meet Ameil at her job, you’d instantly feel uplifted by this nurturing lady who projects caring and kindness. You would never guess that she works endlessly and is probably exhausted, that the family car has given up the ghost, leaving her stranded on more than one occasion, and that they’re having appliance issues —  a big problem for a big, hungry family. You wouldn’t know any of this at all, and after a conversation with Ameil, you’d understand why her boss and nominator, Kelly Stutzman, says she embodies so many of the Bryan team’s core values. Their guiding principles, “care like crazy” and “smile, go the extra mile,” are what Ameil lives every day.

Making others feel special

Kelly also shared a heartwarming story about Ameil. About how, in her prior position, many of Ameil’s coworkers didn’t speak English as their first language, so she greeted them in their native language to make them feel comfortable. She makes it a priority to get to know others, to learn what’s important to them. Spending time to make others feel special and recognized is what Ameil does. You can imagine how she nurtures her family. That’s no doubt why they’re pretty amazing kids. She’d love to give them more, but she works so hard just to cover the basics.

Ameil was selected for a Magic Moment for her dedication to others despite her personal and financial struggles, so the Magic Moments team, along with our generous partners, went on a mission to help Ameil and her kids feel special, too!

A magical holiday

Ameil's family enjoys being together, going to the movies, eating Raising Cane’s and pizza, attending sports like women's basketball, spending quiet time with art, or getting noisy outdoors! A beautiful and sturdy outdoor playset will bring countless hours of outdoor adventure, and thanks to a huge family fun pack, memberships, gift cards, and passes will provide many opportunities for outings, entertainment, and family meals in the year ahead.

Speaking of meals, we’ve filled a donated freezer from Arona Home Essentials with chicken, meats, and other necessities (thank you, Smart Chicken and Del Gould) to ensure that making ends meet isn’t such a struggle, and new dining room chairs will make mealtime a little easier. The family will be treated to a Magical Lights of Lincoln tour and a trip to see Husker Women’s Basketball. Special gifts, both practical and a little indulgent, ensure that each family member knows how special they are, and we even included Christmas decorations for a most magical holiday.

Ameil and family, may you experience all the joy the season has to offer. Have an incredible holiday, Kieu family!