The Day After Thanksgiving (November 25, 2011), The North Pole~

My Dearest Children (and those who are Young-At-Heart)~

Ho, ho, ho!!  Santa Claus here!  I hope this finds each and every one of you blessed or doing well!  If not, know this: Santa Claus cares for you and loves each and every one of you very much.  If there was one thing I wish I could do, it is to take your struggles, your pain, your sadness, away, but I am not God.  Only God can do that.  I will say some extra special prayers on your behalf and pass them on to God.

He can fix things that I can't.  I may be magical, but I am not God.  There are some things that only He can do.

First of all, let me address the Hanson family from Texas.  Mamma Darla, I know you and your family are facing an incredibly difficult time.  Your little girl, Mina, is in the hospital, fighting for her life.  I wish I could take her pain away and make her better, but again, that is something out of my department.  There is nothing I wish more than for her fever or infection to go away or have her opening her eyes.  I am so sorry you are going through this!  

I will make sure that I will leave some extra special gifts for your beautiful children.  Tanner, Amie, and Dustyn will have presents under the tree, and I will see to it that Mina does too.  Just keep on trusting in God and know that I am praying for your daughter as well!  Yes, even Santa Claus believes and prays to God!

And Anh and Thu Sandusky:  your Bella is a beautiful little girl!  She might not remember me, but I will come and see her and leave her some toys that my elves made.  Congratulations are in order!!  I know your mother and father (Bella's grandpa and grandma) are excited!!  I will be leaving plenty of loot for the kids, so there will be no shortage of Christmas at your house!

I know the holidays are always a very exciting time at Casa Sandusky!  I will make sure that y'all will have a most memorable Christmas; I pray it is the best one EVER!!

Congratulations are in order to Johnny Sandusky and his new bride, Rebekka!  How wonderful!  Johnny, I have known you ever since you were a baby and now look at you!  All grown up and married with a beautiful wife when doctors said you wouldn't live to the age of five!  That is truly a miracle!!  I am so happy for you both and I wish you many more happy years together!!

Ronee', I haven't forgotten about you either.  You have grown up into a stunningly beautiful young woman who happens to be engaged!  Well, Ronee', I have known your Michael ever since he was a tiny tot and I am happy to see that he treats you well.  Nothing makes me happier!  I will be sure to leave you both something extra special and am so happy that you are getting married next year!  Congratulations!

To Karla and Karen in Texas:  Fifty-two years old and you still believe in me!  That truly tickles my old soul!  That's truly wonderful that you still believe in the magic of Christmas!  Know things are hard for you twins, but yet you still soldier on despite not having much.  I see you are both grateful for what you have; God will bless you for that.  I'll putter around the toy shop and see if I can find something truly special to present you with.  Heaven knows, you definitely deserve each and every blessing!

And Karen: stop doubting God and know that He WILL provide and make a way!  Know you want to get something for Karla for Christmas, but you need food too and finances.  Remember this: God is your Provider: He hears the cries of your heart!  As it says in Philliappians 4:19: "For God shall supply ALL your needs, according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus".  Remember that and BELIEVE!!  God.  WILL.  Make.  A. Way!!

As for Karla:  I have been seeing your lovely pictures at Facebook.  You have a gift for photography!  Know you want a new camera but cannot afford to get one.  You work with a camera that's been dropped way more than it should, has burn spots on the lens ... that's dedication!  I'll talk to God and see if He can surprise you Christmas morning with a new camera that's better than the one you currently have.  Lord knows, you certainly deserve that!  Keep on taking those beautiful photographs; you know how to make that (abused) camera talk!

Tracey, Ricky, and the children (I know who you are!): Santa hasn't forgotten about you!  So much has happened to you, most of it bad.  Dear Loved Ones: Santa sees your tears.  Please know that God and I love each and every one of you and hate to see you so sad.  You need food, money, and a bigger house for your growing family.  Please don't give up and please, please don't give up on God!  He WILL answer the cries of your hearts in HIs time!  But He WILL answer!  Just trust, hope, and BELIEVE, and I will talk to God and ask Him to provide you the miracles that you desperately need!

Merla and Paul:  You are two of the strongest people I have ever had the pleasure of knowing.  A son in the Army and losing your precious daughter to a mean spirited person, and raising her son as your own.  You forgave her killer, something that many could never do.  I loved how you said "being angry will not bring her back".  What strength and beauty in those words!  I am looking for something extra special for you and that little baby.  Know that this Christmas will be a sad one without your daughter and your son.  I will see what I can do to make your Christmas just a little bit brighter.

Della, Della, Della ... you are in the fight of your life.  Cancer.  Yet your faith shines like the brightest beacon.  Your faith in God is nothing short of incredible.  You choose to lift His name and give Him the praise.  Even on your darkest days you try to smile and look UP.  Where many people have given up, you choose to trust and hope.  I can't promise you a cure, but many people have been lifting you up in their prayers.  You are loved, Della; I can truly see that, and it's enough to make ME cry.  WOW!

Pastor Mark and family:  I have seen your church grow and reach out to the community.  What a blessing you and your congregation are!  I pray that your church continues TO flourish and touch those who need a miracle from God.  God will bless you for your dedication and time in serving Him.  I am proud to know you, your lovely wife, and two beautiful chidlren who have grown so much!

Well, I hear two of the elves arguing.  It sounds like they're about to kill one another.  NO violence at the North Pole: I will NOT allow it!  Before any blood is spilled, I will go.  It's also time to feed the reindeer their breakfast: they are pawing the ground and snorting angrily!  Until later, this is Santa Claus saying so long! God bless and Merry Christmas to each and every one of you!  I wish could have written more names, but I'm just about out of paper!  LOL

~Love, Santa.  X0X0X0