Thursday, December 21, 2006 (won't be long, kiddies! :) ), North Pole~
Dear Children~
Ho, Ho, Ho! This is your Christmas Time Pal, Santa Claus! I wanted to write to let you know I haven't forgotten about you; in fact, in just a few days, I will be visiting you all as I make my Yearly Journey around the World, delivering special packages to all the good little boys and girls!
Have you been behaving? Billy, I hope you haven't been tormenting your kittycat; I have seen you do it on several occasions, and it makes me very sad when you don't treat your feline friend correctly. GingerSnap isn't a toy; she is a live, living, breathing animal, and she deserves to be treated with love, compassion, and respect. Please try to treat your friend well; she doesn't like it when you pull her tail or take her toys away.
And Ronee' and Johnny: I am sorry you were in the hospital; glad you both are now home. I hope the two of you are feeling much better by the time I come to your house; there is nothing worse than being sick on Christmas! I will have to bring you both something extra special from my sleigh!
As for your family, Johnny and Ronee', I was glad to learn that Mamma and Pappa Sandusky are thinking of adding to the family! What a lot of love your parents have in their hearts! It takes a special kind of family to raise children with overwhelming physical/mental handicaps! I will have to bring something special for the rest of your family too, and I am looking forward to meeting the new arrivals when they come to your place!
Jubaki, I will have to bring you something good too, to make your Christmas memorable. I know it is hard being the oldest child in a big family, and I am sure that you have plenty of times where you feel left out because your mamma and pappa are paying attention to the younger children. Well, they mean well, but your younger brothers and sister (in particular, the babies) need a lot of extra attention. They don't know how to take care of themselves yet, and they need a lot of help. They will learn someday, but for now they need help.
And new arrivals Mattaq and Birtta: you don't know of me yet, but you will learn by this time next year. I may look scary with my red and white suit, generous white flowing beard, rosy cheeks, and deep throated laugh, but I am really a very nice guy who brings gift and joy to deserving children. You will be getting something from me too, and so will your mamma and pappa.
Yenni, I will try to do my best to bring your parents back together, but honey, I am afraid that your parents' problems is something that is beyond me. Only Jesus, the real reason for the season, can do that; I am not Him, and only He can perform miracles! I can pray for you, though, and I can ask Him to help, but as for my doing something about it, I am afraid that is out of my hands.
As for you, twin brothers DeShawn and DeJuan, I wish I could bring your baby brother, DeJay, back. I wish things could have ended differently when that drive by shooter shot him while he was asleep, but again, I am not Jesus. All I can do is tell you to try to help your mamma and daddy during this difficult time in your lives, and all I can do is pray for you. It is always a terrible thing when you lose a loved one (in particular, a little brother or sister, even an older brother or sister), and you can't imagine what it is like unless it happens to you.
I know this Christmas will be very difficult for you, seeing that this happened only five months ago, but remember this: God is with you, and He will never leave or forsake you--ever.
Well, my Dear, Sweet, Precious Children, I will go for now. I am going to get ready for bed; I have a busy few days ahead before I make my Journey, to make sure everything is in order. I will see you on Christmas Eve; try to behave, and remember that I know if you have been bad or good! Also be good to your mammas and daddies, and remember the Love of Jesus, not just on Christmas Day, but every day of the year!
God bless you, and Ho, Ho, Ho! Merry Christmas!!
~With Much Christmas Love, Santa Claus. :)
