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Widow shares late husband's love, heals broken hearts
Eric Wilkinson, KING 5 News 8:12 p.m. PST February 10, 2015


BOTHELL, Wash. -- Cindy Nelson stuffed envelopes on Tuesday, each with a special gift that no one knew was coming. She's sending paper hearts to help bandage those that have been broken, including her own.

"He'll always be remembered, and so I will do this for as long as I'm able," she said.

Cindy lost her husband Mike of nearly 22 years to a sudden heart attack. She calls him her "rock" and the weight of his passing still sits like a stone three and a half years later.

"They're good memories," she said, "but there's always a tear left."

Mike was a mechanic and had a soft spot for single moms and widows. He'd always make sure they were well taken care of at his repair shop, often fixing their cars for free.

"He thought that was kind of his calling," said Cindy. "He often said if he could work on people's cars for free that he would."

After Mike's death, Cindy found herself in the painful position of being one of those women her husband always helped. Instead of sitting in her sadness, however, she decided to bring joy.

Cindy joined a national non-profit called The Modern Widows Club. Now, each Valentine's Day she visits those in her same situation and lets them know they are still very much loved.

On Tuesday, Cindy rang the doorbell of Lori Baker, whose husband died on the same day as hers but two years later. Cindy delivered a simple gesture that would've made Mike the mechanic smile.

It was a $50 gift card for an oil change.

"It's just so nice to be thought of on Valentine's Day," said Baker. "Little things like this mean so much."

More than just a way to keep widows' cars running smoothly, the gift cards are symbols of a bond that only these women can truly understand. A way to remind each of them that they are not alone.

"It's amazing how we take our spouses for granted," said a tearful Lisa Combs, clutching her card. "I was feeling very alone this morning. This is good. This is very good."

Cindy Nelson has distributed $50 oil change cards to 60 widows over the past three years. She'd like to do more. If you'd like to help, e-mail her at [e-mail].