SANTA CLAUS

by Patricia Jones
(Lake Villa, IL)

Last evening my son had a get together at his house. A very dear friend of ours plays Santa. He really is authentic ~ he has written two books and has signed to do a movie in 2012. He has done private parties with Oprah and all the big name Chicago sports players. He visits sick children in the hospital by day and does private parties in the evening.

The look on my grandson's faces when Santa walked in was priceless. The only problem was my husband wasn't there to share it with us. Again I found myself in that dark place, shaking, feeling as if I would be ill, fighting back the tears. It's only been three weeks and I just don't know how I'm going to get through this evening and tomorrow (Christmas Day).

Santa is so busy at this time of year I couldn't figure out how he was available to do a 4 hour party at my son's house on December 23rd. He wasn't able to talk to me at the party (he might have blown his Santa cover) but he emailed me this morning. He told me my husband arranged this with him months ago for the love of his grandchildren. That's the kind of person my husband was. Always thinking of others. I love him for it but it only makes me miss him more.

Holiday blessings to all of you. I pray for peace and relief from the pain for all of us who are grieving this Christmas.