Christmas Eve Michelle got me to do something totally out of my character. Michelle got me into a Santa suit. It was our son-in-law who was supposed to get into the suit, but ten minutes before the scheduled entrance he lost his nerve. That’s their story. I’m not sure Michelle didn’t have an ulterior motive from the start, but I was clueless. Michelle didn’t really give me a choice or any time to think about it. Before I could object the twenty-third time I was clothed in red with the itchiest fake beard known to man. Next thing I know, Michelle’s calling for the children to gather for a big surprise. At this point I’m all in; I might as well remember my lines.
“Ho Ho Ho, Merry Christmas!”
Only cousin Jen’s daughter Ella was fooled, but everyone was all smiles. Genesis, nine years old, snuggled in next to me on the sofa and whispered in my ear,
“I know it’s you, Grandpa.”
After a first round of gifts delivered by old Saint Nick, Santa quietly slipped away while the merriment continued. Later when I was sitting off to the side, MakennaLinn (six) & Gracie (seven) came up to me. They told me they knew it was me in a Santa suit. I denied it; saying I was in the bathroom and missed everything. These little detectives weren’t falling for it. They said no way, Santa was wearing my watch!
The best reaction was from little Ella. With eyes as wide as her smile, she believed.
Over the years I’ve repeatedly called myself a lucky guy. My life, complete with its ups and downs, is more than any man could ask for. Two years ago the wheels came off the cart and I’ve struggled to find an even keel ever since. I wish I could say the experience was behind me. I hope I can say the experience has built character. What I can say, with some trepidation, is that the core of who I am, although bent, is not broken. I’m still the same stubborn guy who will fight tooth and nail to stay out of a Santa suit, only to succumb to the twinkle of Mrs. Claus’ eye. I have family and health and the hope that any day now it can all turn around. Like little Ella’s wide eyes and smile, I believe too.
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