Woodlawn Native Trying to Get Home to Parents from Sweden — 2014 Home for the Holidays Finalist 3

She's been in Sweden for four years, and she's trying to get home to her elderly parents for Christmas. Can you give her a a break from the snow this year?

"My name is L. I am a born and raised native of Woodlawn, Louisiana. It has been over 4 years since I've been home and I'd love to go home for the holidays. In August 2010 I moved to Boden, Sweden (about 40 minutes from the Arctic Circle) to start a family with the love of my life. In August 2013 my beautiful son was born, and we decided to christen him after both of his grandfathers. So his name is D.A.T. We had planned to spend this Christmas 2014 with my family in Louisiana, but due to tragic circumstances I found myself as a single mother just in July 2014 - just one month before my son's first birthday. Suddenly all hopes of seeing my family were destroyed. Until this point I had been able to afford internet service for my parents to be able to see my son on Facebook and Skype at least. But since August they haven't been able to see a single picture of us. I realize that I am working on borrowed time. My father is now 78 years old, and my mother is 71. Both are ill. With all my heart I would love my son to meet his grandfather that he is named for at least once in his life. And for myself, I would love to get to hug my parents one last time before they pass away. If not for this chance I know I'll never see them again before they do, and I think that is what hurts the most. After 4 years, I can't remember their faces. You think it is something you will never forget, but it's like straining to remember a dream after you've woken up. I remember their love, the emotion, even the smells of home ... but the picture is almost gone."

Submitted: Wednesday, Nov. 12, 4:24 p.m.

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All letters reprinted exactly as they were submitted and are numbered according to their submission date. All names have been replaced with initials to protect contestants' privacy.  See our full contest rules.