Beautiful Spirit Of Santa Poem by RoseAnn V. Shawiak

Red suit, white beard, jolly beyond compare, touching the
lives of many children young and old alike, taking care
to be polite and a good example, using good manners.

Gently talking, twinkling eyes for all who venture upon
his knee and ask for what they'd like for Christmas,
behind this picture, portrayed during the holidays is a
kind and gentle person.

Knowing Santa has been an honor not many people have known,
meeting Santa a few years ago in the I.R.S. building down
town, when he walked into the break room where I was helping
repair some carpet, at the time he was doing some electrical
work.

Having had a full, flowing white beard, red hat, jeans and
a shirt, he was incognito!

An idea had been swimming around in my head and when I saw
Santa I asked for his help, immediately he said 'yes'.

We set a date and on that day all the children in St. Francis
Grade School stood in line with gifts wrapped beautifully and
each shyly gave their present to Santa, who in turn gave them
to the men from St. Vincent de Paul Society.

At one point, Santa turned to me and asked, 'Is it alright
for Santa to cry? ' Misty-eyed, I nodded yes.

After the holidays Santa and Mrs. Claus came to our home for
dinner, we had a fantastic time, when it came time for Santa
to open his belated gift, he was speechless.

It was a figure of Santa, hat in hand, kneeling at the manger.
Santa truly displayed the spirit of Christmas through a
beautiful heart and soul which far outweigh his red suit and
boots.

Following year, through one of my sisters I found out about a
little boy who was dying, again calling on Santa, he didn't
want to, but for me he said he would.

Santa has a difficult time with children dying, but his spirit
came through and he filled his sack with gifts to distribute.

Afterwards, we walked out to Santa's vehicle, where Mrs. Claus
had patiently chosen to stay, and he hugged me, tears streaming
down his face, thanking me for allowing him to be a part of
this special grace.

It was extremely difficult, but he gave unselfishly, truly
holding the spirit of Christ within.

This year, again calling on Santa to give Christmas joy to
a young boy and his brother who are dying.

Santa, tears in his eyes, came through again, he exemplifies
the quality of good will towards men, especially children.

Santa and I have talked a little and I find his gentle, caring
heart is being stepped on by some people who say he is cashing
in on the materialistic/monetary side of business.

Believe me, it is not so! He has done these favors year
after year at 'no charge'.

If these few people had seen the joy in the eyes of these
little dying children, because Santa had spent precious time
with them, they'd hang their heads in shame.

When you hear Santa's jolly, Ho! Ho! Ho! , realize it is not
all fun and games, not for money or fame, there is a special
saddened joy hiding from outward eyes.

Last wishes on dying lips of children met by an unselfish,
giving person, thankful for the lives he has given happiness
to.

The joy of families, pictures of a final Christmas, happy in
spite of the death closing in, .

Thank you Santa Roy, you're a very special friend close to
my heart.

Wonder what next year will bring?