The discovery of one woman's heirloom hope chest unveils precious memories and helps three people who have each lost a part of themselves find joy once again. Ever since she was diagnosed with ALS, fiercely independent Mattie Tice doesn't feel like herself. She can't navigate her beloved home, she can't go for a boat ride, and she can barely even feed herself. Her devoted husband, Don, doesn't want to imagine life without his wife of nearly fifty years, but Mattie isn't likely to make it past their anniversary. But when Rose Hoffs, Mattie's new caretaker, and her young daughter, Jeri, enter the couple's lives, happiness and the possibility for new memories return. Together they form a family, and Mattie is finally able to pass on her memories from the hope chest she received from her mother. With each item - including a favorite doll, family dishes, an embroidered apron, and an antique Christmas ornament - the hope chest connects Mattie, Don, and Rose to one another and helps them find hope again in the face of overwhelming life challenges. -- Provided by publisher.