HOLT, Mich. - To say its been a whirlwind year for Arlene Nickless would be an extreme understatement.
It culminated this weekend when Nickless and her family were shown their new home thanks to the ABC television show "Extreme Home Makeover."Nickless was surrounded by her three youngest sons: Andrew, 7; Noah, 9; and Aaron, 11, along with sons Blake and Terry Engstrand, Mentone, and daughter Aubrey Sponseller, Atwood.
Her father, Roger Conley, Warsaw, described the experience as a "gift from God."
Sister Darlene Eherenman, Warsaw, said that this year has been "overwhelming."
In less than a week, Nickless' home was transformed from a 148-year-old farmhouse to a brand-new two-story home.
"She was truly amazed," said Conley of his daughter's reaction. "The word 'awesome' doesn't describe this experience."
Nickless, formerly of Warsaw, lost her husband Tim after a seven-year battle with Hepatitis C. He caught the disease while working as a nurse at Ingham Medical Center in Michigan. Nickless also worked as a nurse there until Tim died.
Nickless and Eherenman, who are twins, both became nurses.
While Nickless spent her career caring for others, after Tim died, it became harder and harder to care for herself and her three youngest children.
Nickless' aunt, Roberta Thompson, who lives with Nickless' mom in Findlay, Ohio, wrote a letter to the producers of "Extreme Home Makeover" and told of Nickless' story.
The family spent time around kitchen tables trying to figure out ways to help Nickless.
But with Nickless living in a different state and everyone else trying to stay afloat, it was hard to help.
Eherenman and Engstrand both expressed frustration and guilt about not being able to do enough for Nickless.
But Friday, when Nickless was shown her new home, they, along with many other members of their family, were there to show their support.
The home, outside of Lansing, Mich., was revealed to the family Friday though Nickless couldn't move in until Saturday night due to some interior construction that needed to be completed.
Eherenman said that everyone involved in the show was extreme friendly.
"There were a lot of hugs," said Eherenman. "Like I said, it was an overwhelming experience."
Those interested in seeing the episode featuring Nickless will have to wait until late November or early December. No air date has been released.
