Widower with 7 kids cried tears of gratitude after stranger gave him a Christmas gift

Dakota Nelson, a single parent to seven kids, was overcome with emotion and burst into tears after he got a Christmas present from an unknown donor.

Recently, East Idaho News appeared to Dakota’s home to surprise him with $10,000. The heartwarming moment was captured on video.

“Secret Santa asked we take him a $1,000 in gift cards, also $1,000 to another store and an $8,000 check,” Nate Eaton, who works for the news outlet, can be heard saying in the video.

Dakota was left totally confused. He couldn't hold back his tears as he saw all the zeros.

Follow us on our Twitter account, @amomama_usa, to learn more and scroll down to watch the video below.

TRAGEDY STRUCK THE NELSON FAMILY'S HOME

On July 11, 2018, Dakota and his wife Ream Nelson was puttering around in the garage. They were giggling and goofing around.

At a certain point, Dakota left the garage for a couple of minutes to grab some tools. When he returned, he found Ream unconscious and lying on the ground.

Dakota attempted CPR while their 11-year-old son called 911. Ream was immediately taken to Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center in Idaho Falls.

“We were working in the garage, goofing around and having fun, and [I] came back, and she just was dead on the ground basically,” Dakota told the East Idaho News.

PICKING UP THE PIECES

According to doctors, Ream had lacked oxygen to her brain for over 20 minutes. She was in a coma for weeks before she died on September 30.

Before Ream died, a GoFundMe page was created for the Nelson family.

Dakota was abruptly left to raise their seven children, ages 1 through 16. He currently works three jobs as he adjusts to life as a single parent.

As reported by East Idaho News, a mystery Santa asked them to take Dakota and his youngsters an early Christmas present.

The father's jaw dropped when he opened the gift. He then cried tears of gratitude.