A Coach’s Heart

As I sit by the fire in my cozy North Pole home, I reminisce about the countless Christmases that have gone by. There are many individuals that hold a special place in my heart. Just off the top of my head, Chris in Texas, Jennifer in Delaware, James in New York, Denise in Washington,

Every once in awhile, my mind drifts back to one young boy, I remember Sean. I knew Sean. He grew up surrounded by the love of his older sisters and the warmth of his parents' home in Pennsylvania.

Sean was a remarkable child, always radiating kindness. From a young age, he understood the true spirit of Christmas. Its not just a season of getting new things. For Sean, Christmas was a time for spreading joy and love to those around him. Year after year, Sean's name adorned the top of my Nice List, his heart pure and his actions were selfless.

I recall watching him grow up. You could see his generous spirit even as a toddler and all the way through being a teenager. Although he was a little quiet, his actions speak louder than words. He always had a smile on his face and his laughter would fill the room. He would have a magic about him that his peers would gravitate towards.

Growing up Sean became a remarkable athlete. His favorite sports were basketball and football. During his football years, he was a star athlete on both sides of the ball, even being the teams kicker. I can still see some of his highlights catching touchdowns and kicking the game winning field goal.

Then time as it always does, it marches on. I can lose track of many teenagers going into their young adult years.

For Sean, Twenty years have passed since those cherished days of his childhood. Now, as I prepare for another night of delivering presents to homes around the world, fate has bestowed upon me a most delightful surprise.

I make my way through this snowy night, guided by my reindeer, I come upon a quaint little house adorned with white lights and fun Christmas decorations. Inside, nestled snugly in her crib, lies a precious baby girl named Jessica.

As I gently place a gift beneath the tree for young Jessica, I take a look at their family photo, on an end table. Even Santa can gets surprised, when it suddenly dawns on me - Jessica is Sean's daughter. I look at a few other photos on the wall, Sean has became a football coach for young boys. I knew it, he was destined to give towards make others better. This realization fills me with warmth, knowing that the legacy of kindness that Sean embodies will live on through his daughter. And the other young children that he coaches.

I whisper a silent blessing for Sean and his family. I am always grateful when I get special opportunities to witness this love and magic come full circle.

For Sean, who believes in the spirit of Christmas with all his heart, I leave something special for his unwavering goodness. Through it all, He grew from a good kid, into a fine young man, into a father, and into a strong coach for other children. He carries with him the values he has had since he was a child.

And as I continue on my journey through the snowy night sky, my heart is brimming with joy, I carry with me the memory of Sean and his beautiful young daughter Jessica. He is a shining example of the true meaning of Christmas.

Merry Christmas to all, and to all a goodnight!