Sara Nicholson has a ton on her plate. Rob, the love of her life and father of 17-year-old Tia, 15-year-old Will, and Jemma, who’s 9, died earlier this year, just six weeks after being diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer. While Sara and Rob were trying to accept the diagnosis and wrap their heads around options and treatment plans, Rob’s health quickly spiraled, and he was gone without a fighting chance.

The love of family

Sara is still just trying to process it all. She wants to give each of her children what they need while allowing them to heal. Tia is a senior, trying to make her way through her last year of high school and all that the year entails. Will feels like he should step in as the man of the house, which is not very fair to him, and Jemma is pretty young for these adjustments; she’s just trying to take her cues from the older kids. The loss has left them all reeling, and Sara wishes she could take away their hurt, but she has to let them go through the grieving process. With time, though, and the love of family, they’ll all make it through.

Adding insult to injury

To add insult to injury, the family has been trying to make it with a vehicle that needs attention and a house that needs many repairs. The list of musts is long, but cancer and loss can wreak havoc on your finances, and Sara’s trying to make it all work on her income. There is so much Sara would like to do for her kids, though they never complain.

Debora Luci, Sara’s sister-in-law, nominated the family, as she has seen first-hand the struggles they have faced, not to mention the bond they share. She just wants them to know folks are in their corner. UBT knows how tough those first holidays without a loved one can be, and we want to add some much-needed sparkle to this family’s holiday.

Merry and bright

The family loves to spend time together, watching movies and listening to music, especially anything by Pink Floyd (Rob was a huge fan). The Magic Moments Team, together with our amazing partners, set out to make the holidays merry and bright for the Nicholson crew, starting with movie passes and other entertainment, plus a Pink Floyd blanket to enhance those home concerts. A donated freezer filled with frozen staples (thanks, Smart Chicken and Del Gould!) will make feeding the family easier, gas cards and gift cards will help stretch the family budget, and the family dogs will even be getting a much-needed grooming! Unique gifts were selected for each member of this deserving family, including tablets for all the kiddos, and the family will be enjoying the Magical Lights of Lincoln tour to add a most festive touch to the season.

Sara and family, may you enjoy many wonderful moments together — know that we’re thinking of you this holiday season. Have a happy holiday, Nicholson family!