Santa, Friends and Family

Yesterday, December 23, 2006 was one of the most rewarding days that I can recall in my Santa career.

I have been doing Santa for needy families for over twenty years. While working for the U.S. Postal Service we adoped needy families and I was Santa for these events.

Since moving to Florida I have been Santa at the Leesburg Foodbank for eleven years. Once in a while I get a call do be Santa for a needy family.

A hospital coworker of my niece, Diane, had complications after having a baby and has been in a coma for months. Her husband is left with three little girls and no mommy. The girls are 5, 3 and three months old. The mother has never seen their new house completed. The family, minus mom, just moved into the house. The family is lucky to have good friends and family to help them through this tough time.

Diane asked if I would be Santa and help deliver presents, food and cleaning supplies to the family. The folks at the hospital where the gals work gathered a mountain of things for the family. What a good feeling to see all the friends gathered to help out and give comfort to these folks.

I also visited my brother, Bruce, and his wife, Mae, on my way home from the large gathering. Mae is a cancer survivor and is just now getting back on her feet after a long hard road with chemo and radiation treatments.

Christmas is for friends and family and I visited with both on Saturday.