Monday again.

Hey there,



Well today the weather started out sunny but ended with rain. If this was summer, the grass would be 3ft tall and as green as the commercials say it could be.



Today was slow but steady as the schools are still going for a few more weeks. I was told that there are two school districts in our area. One gets out on December 20 and the other on December 23. If that's the case, the last week before Christmas we will be slammed! But again we do have the weekends. I wish I could describe the looks the parents are going for. Yes, the one you send all the rellies with everyone all proper looking, and the one that hangs on the fridge with the kid screaming. I will admit for the first time that I actually like a picture with a kid screaming his lungs out. The little dude started out good, and I don't know if Burt or Emily scared him, but the picture looked like he had no face...just an open mouth. The parents were thrilled! Plus, they bought a picture package to give to their friends.



Today we also had some of my favorite visitors - adults with disabilities. We had quite a few come in different times of the day. And you know they deserve Santa's love just as much as anybody else. So I spent time with each one touching their hands, arms, and face telling them how special they are...and always thanking them for coming to see me. I don't know if it makes a difference to them, but it does to me, my helpers, and the people watching.



At one point today there was this older gentleman walking toward me with his cane. I stood up out of respect and started to talk with him. He said he was having a hard time and wanted to talk with Santa. He then started to sob. I turned our backs to the helpers and the people standing in line. As I rubbed my hand on his back he told me he just lost his wife and his father. He missed seeing and talking with his dad for the last time by about 5 minutes. Santa helped him as best he could, and gave him some Kleenex to wipe the tears. You know Santa is usually about the kids, but even the adults need Santa too sometimes. I don't know if a Santa was there for him in his past, but one was there for him today. You would be amazed what people tell me.



I want to end tonight by telling you about a small kid who was no more than 6 yrs old. All he wanted (and he said it after he looked around to be certain mom and dad weren't listening) was some food for Christmas. No toys, just food. I asked him if he was hungry right now, and he said, "No, I had potatoes and corn tonight." Kids are not stupid. They know what's going on.



Tonight was kind of a heavy night, and I am sorry about that. But you just can't make this stuff up, and this is what Santa gets from time to time.



God bless, and thank Him for what you have.



Santa