16-year-old Gabriella Bonam stood in the center of a room buzzing in anticipation and surrounded by her parents.
Why? She had just won a white Volkswagen Beetle. But this wasn’t an ordinary car giveaway.
The story behind it was as unique as the vehicle itself.
Gabriella’s unexpected windfall was the result of a heartfelt wish by Diane Sweeney, a resident of Oklahoma City.
Diane, who passed away on July 7th, 2022, at the age of 68, had led an accomplished life.
With a doctorate in statistics from Oklahoma State University, she dedicated her career to animal health studies and biostatistics.
Upon her passing, she wanted to do one last kindness to somebody else.
Diane’s niece fondly remembered her, describing her as “one of the most generous people you would ever meet.”
Diane’s Volkswagen Beetle held a special place in her heart.
It was more than just a car to her; it was a symbol of her zest for life and her generous spirit.
In a move that showcased her unique character, Diane expressed a wish that her beloved Beetle be given away to a random attendee of her funeral.
Her family, determined to honor her request, went to great lengths to ensure that her final wish was fulfilled.
They even promised that if any legal issues arose during the estate settlement, they would personally purchase a similar car to ensure the giveaway took place.
Thankfully, things went along smoothly, if not speedily.
News of this unconventional funeral and the car giveaway spread like wildfire.
Local Oklahoma media outlets, including K4, covered the story, highlighting the opportunity to win Diane’s 2016 Volkswagen Beetle.
The headline was clear: anyone attending Diane Sweeney’s funeral could walk away with her cherished car.
Gabriella, having heard about the event on the news, decided to attend. She was not alone.
“The pews were packed.”
The funeral venue was brimming with attendees, with pews filled to capacity.
People from diverse backgrounds, ages, and races turned up.
Some were there to pay their respects, while others were drawn by the allure of the Beetle or simply the intriguing story of Diane.
A year after the funeral, once all estate matters were settled, the moment everyone had been waiting for finally arrived.
The winner of the Beetle was chosen at random, and to Gabriella’s astonishment, it was her name that was announced.
The timing couldn’t have been more perfect.
Gabriella had been grappling with car issues and was in the process of figuring out how to acquire a new one.
Diane’s Beetle was, as Gabriella put it, “an answer to prayers.”
Gabriella’s win was about more than a car. It was about the continuation of Diane’s legacy.
As Diane’s niece aptly put it, she was “excited for Aunt Diane’s memory to live on this way.”
Diane’s final wish and Gabriella’s fortuitous win remind us of the serendipity of life and just how great it can be sometimes.
As Gabriella drives around in her new Beetle, she carries with her the legacy of a woman who believed in the joy of giving.
See Gabriella get the good news in the video below!
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