Family celebrates Christmas 120 days early, in August, so ailing mother can join in one last time
For Steven, it was a final gift for the woman he calls the heart of their home.
Christmas may still be months away, but in one Carmel neighborhood, the lights are already glowing. For 50-year-old Lorie Graves, who is in hospice at home battling ovarian cancer, the holiday couldn’t wait. On Windbush Street, neighbors wrapped trees, hung wreaths, and lit up porches in late August so Lorie could see her favorite season one more time. "One of our favorite traditions on Windbush is to decorate every house as much as possible," neighbor Emily Clem told WTHR. When she noticed the decorations appearing earlier than usual, she said, "My heart sank because I knew what it was."
Lorie’s husband, Steven Graves, said Christmas had always been at the center of their family traditions. "She loves the lights in the neighborhood, decorating the house, even having a 'Happy Birthday Jesus' cake," he said. When he realized this might be her last Christmas, he contacted USA Lighting Direct to ask if they could help put the lights up in August. The company agreed, and the neighbors followed. "I texted my neighbor Bill and said, 'Christmas lights,' and he said, 'Already on it,'" said another neighbor, Brady Young. Soon, every corner of the street shimmered.
"I got tears in my eyes. Came in and told my wife. And I’m like, 'Oh yeah, we’re going to put up our Christmas lights," recalled neighbor Shane Best. Clem described how "the corner house having wrapped up their trees and their colorful bushes. We’ve got the houses down there that have decorative deer. A Christmas dog." For Steven, it was a final gift for the woman he calls the heart of their home. "She’s an amazing mom, daughter, friend, and wife. Her story is filled with how good God is," he said. Neighbors say Steven’s love and generosity have been just as constant. "Steve is always there when anyone needs him," Clem said, "He’s always looking out for everybody else. I’ve been incredibly honored to live next door to him as long as we have."
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As the lights switched on, Lorie saw her home glowing in the summer night, just the way she loved. Steven shared, "Faith has helped us get this far. God helped us find a way to each other and to write our love story. God is good. Cancer may take her body, but God will carry her home." This kind of community support matters more than people realize. A 2025 study in BMC Palliative Care found that social support, expressed through kindness, empathy, and presence, can greatly improve the quality of life for people who are incurably ill. For Lorie, those lights were proof that she was surrounded, supported, and deeply loved.
The moment was also shared on WTHR's Instagram @wthrcom, where friends and strangers alike were moved by what the neighborhood had done. @kedrickmetzger commented, "These aren’t neighbors or friends. This is family. Praise be to God for bringing the community together for one of his amazing children." @cindyashannon wrote, "Oh, so wonderful! God bless her and her family! What an amazing neighborhood!" @ricksmittssss said, "This is the way it should be… everyone pulling together for someone that needs the support! Prayers for her and her family!" @kenziefoust14 chimed in, "How wonderful you all are! I’m so glad Lorie got to see the lights! This was a very loving thing to do, and hopefully a good memory for her husband and kids. My heart goes out to all of you! God bless."
You can follow WTHR (@wthrcom) on Instagram for more news content.
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