As I enjoy this Christmas morning with my children, I am reminded that I am among the lucky. My children are healthy and able to enjoy all of the activities of the season, including visiting Santa. As a parent what do you do when your child is home-bound, immuno-suppressed and all he wants for Christmas is a visit with Santa?
For the Schulz family this is reality. Their 4-year-old son, Finn, has Mitochondrial disease and his immune system has become compromised to the point that he cannot leave his house for fear that any infection could make him septic. He has an older sister and younger brother who are greatly impacted by this as well.
How do you manage the holiday with three children under five when you can’t leave the house and how do you look at your child when all they want for Christmas is a visit with Santa?
What happens next is a story of a community coming together to help a family make Christmas dreams come true. The true Spirit of Christmas lives in all of those who gathered gifts specifically for indoor play, reached out to a Santa and Mrs. Claus who only visit with a small group of children and coordinated a Fire Department to make the grand delivery of the Clauses on Christmas Eve. Fireman also volunteered their time to deliver Santa, carry in the presents and give the added bonus of Fire Trucks to the Santa Experience.
One little boy and his family were able to feel the Christmas Spirit due to the unselfish acts of others. Isn’t this what the season is all about? “For unto us a child is born”!
6 comments
I feel very blessed that I was part of this. What an awesome experience of being able to help.
I would like to say that my wife and I consider being a part of this experience as much of a Christmas present to us as it was for Finn and his siblings. As members of the Indian Trail Lions Club we help visually and hearing impaired persons as much as we can. This was different for me as I was able to see the sparkle in those wonderful little children’s eyes. I have worn the suit for around 7 years now and this will be my favorite memory. When we think of Christmas we must remember that we are celebrating the birth of a precious little child. We must always keep the holiday as special as we can for all the children. So in the spirit of Christmas and the love and joy around the world…”MERRY CHRISTMAS and GOD BLESS US, EVERYONE.
It was wonderful to be a part of something so special for this family! What a giving community! Merry Christmas everyone!
An experience one won’t soon forget…or stop smiling about. Cousin Eddy was right, “[This was] the gift that keeps on giving…” xox
Jennifer is one of my very dear friends and I just waned to say thank you SO much to everyone involved for doing this for her family, and especially sweet Finn!!!
As Jennifer’s Aunt and those beautiful babies Great Aunt I would like to thank everybody who had a hand in this. Jennifer is an amazing Mom and does so much for the kids. This made me believe in Christmas again. God Bless you all