PENTICTON, B.C. — Jackie Hooper and her son Brandon came home yesterday afternoon and discovered culprits had stolen Christmas presents, valuables and even, the turkey. But the single mother’s spirits didn’t falter because she still has her most precious gift this holiday season.
“I just love spending time with my son. He is all I have, and that’s all that matters,” she says.
Brandon, 13, underwent surgery in November.
He was born with a spinal birth defect and as a result, they frequently travel to the BC Children’s Hospital for treatment.
Brandon wasn’t expected to recover from his latest operation until after Christmas, but he’s now home for the holidays and Hooper says that’s what makes Christmas complete.
“I am very grateful to be home for Christmas. That was my goal to be home for Christmas,” explains Brandon.
Even though they are happy just being together, word of the theft has spread quickly and everyone wants to pitch in.
People are coming in droves with gifts, food hampers and money.
Hooper is overwhelmed by the outpouring of the support.
“I didn’t realize that so many people cared.”
Jennifer Haynes, a family friend, says she was motivated to help this family.
“We were just heartbroken and shocked. It is disgusting what happened. We know everything that this family has gone through in this last little while, so this is disgusting,” says Haynes.
But Hooper is expressing the Christmas spirit by forgiving the culprits.
She has no room for resentment because she and her son are already filled with gratitude.
“I feel very happy and I want to say thank you to everyone who is doing what they’re doing,” says Brandon.
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