Magic Moments: The Harris Family

Nate Harris has a ton on his plate. Rachel, the love of his life and mother of 12-year-old Raelynn and 11-year-old Kayden, died this past January after a fierce battle with a particularly aggressive form of breast cancer. His sister Chelsey, her boyfriend, and their brood moved in after Rachel’s passing to help out with the kids and to add some stability, as the family was reeling and welcomed the company — and the additional support. Finances, too, can be a strain at times; Nate’s line of work is seasonal, and he’s struggling to give the children everything he would like them to have, though they never complain.

Feeling the loss

Rachel was an incredible mom, and her passing has left a major hole in the family. If Rachel were here, she’d be putting her own spin on Christmas traditions. Each holiday season, everyone got a cozy new blanket, and away they’d go to look at Christmas lights — but only after stopping at the gas station for hot chocolate. Her pumpkin chocolate chip muffins were a tasty, oft-requested treat this time of year, as well. Nate’s sister Chelsey nominated Nate and his family as she has seen firsthand the struggles they have faced, not to mention the bond they share. 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.

The love of family

Nate, at times, is still just trying to process it all. It’s hard to deal with your own grief while making sure your kids are healthy and well-adjusted, but he tries, for their sake. Raelynn and Kayden are at crucial ages; he just needs to be there for them and make certain they have as many positive role models as possible. During the height of the pandemic, before Rachel’s illness, the family was so isolated. There’s still some of that, but he wants the kids to make connections. He’s so thankful to Chelsey, her boyfriend, and their crew for helping them through this rough patch. There’s really nothing like the love of family.

The Harris family enjoys spending time outside, playing yard games, going to Lincoln Stars games, and just spending time together as much as possible. Thanks to generous donations from Lincoln Children’s Zoo and Lincoln Children’s Museum, the Harris family can have outings galore. And thanks to extremely generous donations, a Saltdogs baseball experience, a Lincoln Stars hockey night, and a Rocky Mountain getaway weekend are all on the family calendar, and an assortment of yard games will keep them entertained during the summer months.

A new deep freeze will keep the family stocked up for meals, while a new vacuum and other small kitchen appliances will keep their home humming. Whitehead Oil and Super C set the family up with gift cards to help decrease gas expenses. Two framed family pictures with a memorial quote will honor Rachel in the family home, and a baking kit with muffin supplies, new blankets, and a gift card for hot chocolate for the holiday lights tour will ensure that Rachel’s time-honored tradition is upheld.

Nate will be sporting new coveralls donated by Orscheln, a Carhartt jacket, work gloves, and a beanie to keep him warm during the winter months, and he’ll also receive a beard kit for grooming and a phone charger so his family can always reach him.

Raelynn received a beautiful necklace that contains her birthstone as well as her mom’s (something to keep close to her heart), a crafting basket donated by Mākit Tākit, makeup and a mirror, new sunny yellow bedding, a jewelry making kit, and a phone charger.

Kayden, the hockey enthusiast, had a new hockey stick, net, and puck in his pile, along with Fortnite toys, games, and a gaming headset, plus fidget spinners and Pop-Its.

UBT thought Chelsey’s kiddos needed a bit of magic (after all, they’ve willingly shared their mom), so they got some goodies, too. Six-year-old Lane received Pokémon cards, a stomp rocket, and candy, while Lily, who’s four, got a Barbie, an LOL Surprise, kitchen accessories, and candy. Little 8-month-old Layla has new musical toys, yogurt melts, puffs, and stuff she can seriously use, like diapers and wipes. Chelsey, who deserves some pampering, will receive a massage and facial donated by Fusion Massage and Spa.

We’re wishing the Harris family some magic this holiday season, and we’ll be thinking of Rachel, too. It won’t be easy, but we hope we made it a bit brighter. Happy holidays, Harris family!

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