Brighten Your Day

A Simple Christmas Gift Brings Joy To A 102-Year-Old Woman During A Difficult Time

December 26, 2024

Today's good news story comes from Lexington, Kentucky.

This holiday season, a small but thoughtful gesture proved that the most meaningful gifts don’t have to come with a hefty price tag.

Clara and her gift / Credit: WKYT

Clara Bodager, a 102-year-old woman, has experienced many Christmases throughout her long life, but this year brought unique challenges. After suffering a fall that resulted in a broken hip, Clara has been under the care of Bluegrass Care Navigators for the past three weeks.

Since her injury, Clara has faced difficult days. However, a simple knock at the door recently turned her spirits around.

“I had never gotten anything like that before,” Clara shared, reflecting on the unexpected visit. The Bluegrass Care Navigators team surprised her with a hand-knit stocking, thoughtfully filled with unique and heartfelt stocking stuffers.

The gesture deeply touched Clara and her family.

“They totally surprised us when they delivered that little stocking,” said Ron Bodager, Clara’s son. “It meant so much to my mother.”

For the Bodager family, giving back has always been a way of life. Ron serves as the director of Hope Love Christian Mission and dedicates much of his free time to sitting with men diagnosed with Alzheimer’s.

“That’s how God works out, too,” Ron said. “Right now, I don’t have a person. Now, that person is my mother. It’s a 24-hour job.”

As Clara prepares to celebrate her 103rd birthday on January 16, her family and caregivers remain committed to making her days brighter, proving that even the smallest acts of kindness can have the greatest impact.