The Gift of Family

One of the hardest parts about being Santa, is knowing the truth about how many boys and girls are out there, that need a family. When I am doing the List, every year, I always take special note of the children that are Fosters and Orphans

These kids, they need love everyday of the year, not just on Christmas. So it does break my heart knowing these kids deserve so much more than what I can actually give them. You may not know, but I pray to God as well.

I pray for all kids to have an abundant life . But for these special children, I pray for God to give them what every child should have. A Family with Loving parents and Guardians. Children need someone to look up to, they need someone to show them the way in this difficult world.

It reminds me of these two brothers, Billy and Connor . The first few years of their lives were spent jumping from house to house , from family members to foster parents to a new family. Each and every year I delivered to them, they were in a different house, with a different family. I could tell they needed help, but this is something that’s out of my jurisdiction . So I continued to pray, year in and year out.

A few years ago, when Billy was 7, Connor was 5 , the brothers went to a new foster home. They went to live with a young couple named, Jake and Molly. I was super excited when I found this out. You see, I was excited because I remember Jake and Molly from 15 years ago, when they were children too .

You see, I was watching Jake grow up with his two younger brothers in Florida. He was a well behaved kid, witha heart of gold and he landed on the nice list every year. I also remembered as Molly, growing up, she experienced a similar childhood as these two boys , moving from house to house.

It’s touching to know that Molly was about to settle down with her Aunt and Uncle in Florida, when she was 10 years old. She grew tremendously after that. Although this couple were not perfect, I did know that Jake and Molly had strong hearts and plenty of life to share . I knew Billy and Connor were in good hands.

After a couple months, you could tell the boys were still a little cautious about their new situation. But in their highlights, I saw them take a day trip the Tampa Bay Aquarium . For the first time, Billy started to relax around their new guardians and then Connor followed soon. They were enjoying their time together. These boys felt like they could be themselves. And thats what’s important, when youre a kid.

Last year, when doing the list, it was awesome to know they were all still together. I could sense some true joy. Jake and Molly…, Billy and Connor; really bonded over their 1st full year together. I saw the boys learning, being good kids, and even going to church.

Billy really responded well, looking after his younger brother. He did his chores on time and cleaned his room. I took notice to when Billy stood up for a classmate in school, that was being bullied.

Connor was doing great in school, he was listening to his teachers, and going the extra mile. He’s a really creative boy.

Billy and Connor easily land on the Nice List after I was saw how much they had grown .

This year, I was overjoyed, When I watched their year in review . They are now 9 & 7 years old. Jake and Molly made it official, they adopted Billy and Connor. I couldnt be happier for them. This year as I fly down the eastern coast of Florida, dipping into Titusville. I will leave a custom made Plaque that states, “The William’s First Christmas.”

I look forward to visiting this family year after year. Knowing where they came from and where they are today. I know that these 4 good people will grow on each other. And lean on each other. And Love each other in the years to come.

It is hard, as Santa, to know about all of the orphans and fosters that are out there. It really does shower, some Heart-felt cheer when I learn of a new Forever family

To all of the kids out there, that need help, that need some one to look up to. I will continue to pray for your Future. I believe, that true Strength comes from within. You are all stronger than you know. First and foremost, you must Believe in yourself because good things are coming your way.

This Santa, believes in you.