Holidays are filled with memories. The memories of Christmas growing up, of having children and watching them light up on Christmas morning and the blessing of having grandchildren to carry memory making forward.
This year has been anything but normal. The pandemic has caused us to miss family gatherings, birthdays, holidays and the events we normally take for granted. Christmas 2020 was without exception. Doctors and the science community has warned us to avoid large family functions, limit travel and the constant reminder to "wash your hands."
This Christmas has added a memory that I will never forget. As you know my father passed a little over a year ago. He was known as Papa Tony to his great grandkids. He was especially close to Tony and Megan’s daughter Genevieve (Gigi). Gigi was born a couple of months before my mother passed. Old Italians believe when one is born one may go. My mom had suffered from Alzheimers for several years along with a disease that took her ability to talk. She spent years with her thoughts and observations locked up inside. Gigi’s arrival put a smile on our faces and love in our hearts.
As Gigi has gotten older one must believe the question “is Santa real” must have crossed her mind. Because of the pandemic a trip to tell Santa what she wanted for Christmas was out so Gigi and her brother Ricky wrote letters telling Santa what they wanted. After completing the letters they were sealed with the instructions to mail them to the North Pole.
When you take the kids to visit Santa at the mall you often learn of something they may tell Santa but hadn’t shared with their parents. The situation allowed Megan and Tony a chance to recover to make Christmas a success. A letter written and sealed didn’t provide that opportunity so after much deliberation it was determined the letters must be opened to ensure a successful Christmas morning.
Ricky’s letter was filled with the toys he wanted and the reason he should have them. You know “I’ve been a good boy.” Upon opening Gigi’s letter tears and heartbreak followed. She asked Santa for only one thing. No toys, dolls, clothing or things an eight year old would normally ask for. Nope all she had written was she’d like to see Papa Tony one more time.
Thankful they opened the letter the head scratching began. How can they make the only thing their daughter asked for a reality? I believe with the help of Santa and Papa Tony Megan & Tony were directed to a website where you could buy and name a “Star.” They also bought a telescope to search the coordinates for the exact star.
The “Star” came with a booklet with a story for the new owner….
Genevieve,
“Your Christmas wish touched my heart. And while I cannot bring back your Papa Tony, I do have a way to let him show you he is near. This star is an opening to heaven where your Papa Tony’s love can pour through and shine down to let you know he is here.
Merry Christmas,
Love Santa Claus”
While 2020 has provided us so many obstacles and limited our opportunities to be with family and friends Genevieve has given me a memory I will never forget.
Losing a loved one is never easy but having someone in your life that believes in Santa Claus and the miracles of Christmas can make it all a little easier.
Gigi thank you for making Christmas real for me. I’m with you in believing in Santa.
Papa Rick
December 28, 2020
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