In Sissonville, West Virginia, 86-year-old Pauline Monk recently fulfilled a long-held dream by attending the grand opening of a Taco Bell in her hometown. Known affectionately as the ‘Taco Bell Queen,’ Monk had hoped for years that the fast-food chain would open a location in her community, a suburb of Charleston.

A Dream Realized

Monk’s son played a pivotal role in bringing the restaurant to Sissonville. “My son… had been working trying to get one,” Monk shared. “He came to me one day and said, ‘Mom, I finally got them to come. They’re coming. They are going to be here for you.'”

However, Monk’s joy was tempered by a personal battle. Around the time of the announcement, she was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer, with doctors giving her only a few months to live. Despite this, she remained hopeful that she would see the Taco Bell open.

Community Support and Faith

On the day of the opening, Monk was brought in early to celebrate, and her son was expected to cut the ribbon. The event turned into a community celebration, with Monk becoming a local legend and an internet sensation. “They all hollered,” Monk recalled. “They said, ‘She’s the Taco Bell queen.'”

Monk’s connection to her community runs deep. She grew up with seven siblings in a local country town and has been a lifelong Christian, known for her generosity, particularly in baking pies for her church and community. “Since I’ve been a young girl, I’ve always attended church and been a Christian over the years,” Monk said.

Her faith has been a source of strength as she faces her illness. “I know the Lord and the Lord knows me,” Monk stated. “I feel like when he’s ready for me to come home, he’ll take me, and I’m ready to go.”

A Legacy of Kindness

Monk’s story has touched many, and she has received an outpouring of support from her family, church, and strangers alike. “Everybody at church, everybody I knew got pies,” she noted. “And now they’re giving it back. I’m getting food from everywhere.”

Despite her diagnosis, Monk remains focused on spreading kindness and her faith. “While I’m here, I want to spread the word of God and be thankful and help people whatever way I can,” she said.

As the ‘Taco Bell Queen,’ Pauline Monk’s story is a testament to the power of community, faith, and family, and it continues to inspire those around her.

Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.