Idaho Couple Takes in 4 Siblings Who Lost Parents, Is Surprised with $10,000 from Secret Santa

After two heart-wrenching tragedies shook them to the core, a couple opened their hearts and home to their nieces and nephews, which doubled their family size. Unbeknownst to them, a kind-hearted individual heard their story and decided to give them an early Christmas gift.

Trials and tribulations can be challenging to navigate, but with love, determination, and support, almost all battles can be won. People who refuse to give up in the face of adversity inspire others to keep going; the same was true for Lana and Dan Weber from Madison County, Idaho.

The Webers were doting parents to five kids—Landan, Samantha, Dalan, Mason, and Emma, and loved their family wholeheartedly. Little did they know that in the times to come, an unlikely turn of events would change everything they had once known.

One Tragedy after Another

On November 1, 2017, Lana's nieces and nephews lost their beloved dad, Darin Hammond, 46, and his untimely demise turned their world topsy-turvy. They were still reeling from the soul-crushing loss and grief when five months later, they lost their mom, Emilia, 43, on April 5, 2018.

Without wasting time, Nate handed the couple a tiny box and described it as a small gift from Secret Santa.

Although Lana had difficulty coming to terms with the deaths of her brother and his wife, she knew her nieces and nephews were hard hit. Something tugged at her heartstrings, and without hesitation, she and Dan welcomed the kids into their family.

Welcoming Their Nieces & Nephews

And so, Symphony, Gavin, Halle, and Eva began living with their aunt, uncle, and cousins in their Madison County home. After taking in the four children, Dan and Lana's family doubled in size, but they were determined to make things work. And they did.

Despite a season of spine-chilling grief and poignant loss, the four siblings found love, light, and hope in their new family, which they rightly deserved.

Fortunately, a Secret Santa heard about the family's heart-touching story and decided to surprise them with an early holiday present and spread the much-needed festive cheer.

A Surprise Visit

In early December 2018, the anonymous benefactor's news elves showed up at the Weber residence and took them by complete surprise. Nate Eaton from East Idaho News greeted Dan and told him he had a gift for his family. But because Lana wasn't home then, he decided to wait for her to return.

In the meantime, Dan told him about his beautiful family and said that he and Lana had been happily married for 26 years. The proud dad and uncle introduced all the children one by one, including his adorable nieces and nephews. Indeed, it was commendable how Dan remembered every kid's age and schooling year.

Making Adjustments for Their Large Family

Nate asked him Dan about his new family dynamics and how the adjustment had fared for him and Lana, to which Dan replied, "It's been good. [They are] great kids. And they've been through a lot. We've all kind of been through a lot."

Later, Nate had a brief conversation with one of the couple's nieces and asked her what it was like to live with her cousins. The young girl expressed that it was fun, and they all went rock climbing whenever they had leisure time.

When asked how he and Lana managed to commute their large brood, Dan replied that they had to buy a new vehicle, which fit most of their family but not all of them. In the meantime, Lana returned home, and Nate politely told her to stand with her husband so that he could hand them their Christmas present.

Lessons Learnt & the Special Gift

Before doing the honors, Nate conversed with Lana a little, asking her about how her brother's and sister-in-law's tragic deaths impacted her. "To enjoy every minute and to love your family and hold them close more than anything [and] live in the moment," responded Lana about what she learned of the ordeal.

But in addition to learning the importance of family, Lana gushed about her nieces and nephews and said they had brought immense joy and light into her life. Without wasting time, Nate handed the couple a tiny box and described it as a small gift from Secret Santa.

When Lana opened it, she was baffled and lost for words as she took out a check for $10,000. Both she and Dan were flabbergasted, and their emotional reactions made it clear how much they appreciated the sweet gesture.

The Online Appreciation & Love

Thousands of netizens loved the Weber family's heartwarming story, and many shared messages of encouragement and support for Dan and Lana while also appreciating Secret Santa's generosity:

"So deserving for such an awesome family. Thats unconditional love right there (sic)."

— (@debra.huntbrowning) December 2, 2018

"#secretsanta is my favorite part of the year! I love to watch deserving families receive help and good cheer and I don't even live in Idaho (sic)!"

— (@lolo.mcdonald) December 1, 2018

"What a wonderful family! So much sadness and so much charity and love! Thank you Secret Santa (sic)!"

— (@beth.chambers.148) December 1, 2018

"Wow, what a generous and wonderful gift from Secret Santa. I pray for blessings to pour out for giver and receiver (sic)!!!!"

— (@belinda.tolley.1) December 1, 2018

"These beautiful people are so deserving. All of them. This makes my heart happy. I have had the privilege of being friends with them over the past 15 years and they are as nice as they seem. Oh let the tears commence. Here's to Secret Santa and EIN! I love these stories. I love this time of year (sic)!"

— (@peggy.jeppesen) December 1, 2018

Undoubtedly, Dan and Lana have genuine and loving hearts, and we are in awe of their unswerving devotion and unwavering affection for their family, especially their nieces and nephews. Please show some love to the Webers in the comment section on Facebook, and stay tuned for more heart-melting stories.

Click here to read another story about three siblings who lost both parents months apart and eventually received a new loving family and unconditional hope.