So it is no secret I am not a huge fan of Christmas. Lights that make Liberace say "oh that's too much." Commercialism cloaked in religion. Greediness cloaked in cheer. And family time, don't get me started on the way some people's families treat each other.
But last year started a tradition for me that is helping my "Christmas Spirit."
Let me rewind a bit. For the last bunch of years my Dad has dressed up and played Santa for Stockton's Community Center for the Blind. They have a huge dinner for all the families and clients. It is a big to do and my Dad was the star. Last year my Dad was too sick to do it. SO at the last minute I got in the red suit and took his place. Many of the clients did not know it wasn't my Dad. A lot treated me as Santa but a handful who knew my Dad played Santa were just very happy to see my Dad made it again. I never corrected them. Why would I? It made my Dad so sad that he couldn't be the big guy in red, this way maybe if everyone believed it was him then HE could in fact still be Santa.
During this long and hard year my Mom has not been able to be at the Center as much as usual. The clients know about my Dad's health and the fact that it is rapidly declining. They are fearful that he may not make it much longer. So this year again I threw on the suit and tried my best to fill my Dad's boots. When they announced Santa was coming and I stepped in with a big "HO HO HO." A couple of clients broke into tears. I made my way through shaking hands and giving hugs. Wishing all a Merry Christmas. I reach one later who forced herself to get up. She could barely stand she was crying so hard. She wrapped her arms tight around me and whispered in my ear "Jesse I am just so glad you are still with us. It's all I wanted for Chirstmas."
As I write this blog I am in tears. So I need to fast forward to a happy moment.
After the dinner at the Center I made a promise to Cathy that I would surprise her beautiful little daughter as Santa.
I snuck into the house and crept into her room. She was out cold. I bent down and shook the bed just enough for her eyes to begin opening. They fluttered and then shot wide open when they realized what they saw. I ran out of the room and almost shut it all the way. And waited. I here this perfect sweet little voice say "Santa is that you?" I lean in and look at her. Put my finger to my lips to tell her it's our secret. Then reached up my sleeve and pulled out a little disney princess tree orament I found and rolled it to her. I shut the door and ran out of there. From a phone call from Cathy I got it seems as though I made her night, and maybe her Christmas.
So...
Yes Virginia...there is a Santa Clause....and it's my Dad!
