Magic Moments: Bruhn Family

Shelly and Mike Bruhn started their married life together in January 2012. They were blessed with two beautiful daughters — Hannah, now 7, and Kaitlyn, 4 — and looked forward to their life together as a family. Unfortunately, this past August, Mike died unexpectedly; since then, Shelly and her girls have had to learn how to live life without their husband and father.

Alex Keinbaum, deaconess at the family’s church, Christ Lutheran, nominated Shelly and her family because of Shelly’s kindness and her determination to not be bitter even though she’s experienced such a great loss. Alex told Union Bank that she wants the family to be surrounded by love, kindness, and support during the holidays, and UBT is happy to oblige.

A little holiday magic

As a family, the Bruhns love spending time together, especially going bowling. Shelly is an avid reader, and the girls each have their own hobbies: Hannah loves “How to Train Your Dragon” and enjoys reading small chapter books, while Kaitlyn loves Frozen and Mickey and Minnie Mouse.

To help make this holiday special, Union Bank arranged for the family to receive passes to the Lincoln Children’s Zoo and Lincoln Children’s Museum, as well as a Hyper Bowling Party from Sun Valley Lanes. They also received gift cards for gas and groceries, new shoes from Scheels, and tickets to a Royals baseball game in honor of Mike’s love for baseball.

Shelly can continue her love of reading with a new Kindle e-reader, and she’ll feel safer at home with a Ring Doorbell Peep Hole Camera. She’ll also have an opportunity to pamper herself with a gift certificate to get a professional massage. Hannah received the complete series of “How to Train Your Dragon” paperback books, a Hatching DreamWorks Dragon, a scooter, and some games; her sister Kaitlyn received Frozen dolls, a Frozen scooter, a game, and an activities book. Both girls also received cozy new pajamas to snuggle up at home with Mom.

 

Experiencing an unexpected loss is never easy, and the first holiday without a loved one can be especially difficult. Union Bank hopes this Magic Moment has made the holiday season a little more special for the Bruhn family, and that they continue to grow with the support and love of their church family. Merry Christmas!