I want to share an experience that my family had this weekend. There is so much negative in the world right now, but there is also compassion.
A friend of mine invited my family and me to have breakfast with Santa, sponsored by LAOH Division 25 at the Red Rooster Inn. I have 2 grandsons; one is 5 and he is easygoing and friendly. Your typical 5-year-old little boy. I have a 10-year-old grandson who is non-verbal and autistic. He has good days and bad, like the rest of us. When we walked into the facility, we were greeted with open arms. We felt like everyone already knew us. Well Lucas, my 10-year-old grandson, had a hard time with all of the people and activities going on. My daughter had to take him outside. He goes into the car for a safe quiet space. After a while he came back in but on the other side, the bar area. It was quiet and no people.
I can’t tell you how many people from the LAOH approached me and asked what they could do to make things more comfortable for Lucas. I thanked them but I know he just needs his space.
Well Santa came, he was so warm and caring to the people. He spent time with each child and talked to them. I know because my 5-year-old grandson had a very long and serious conversation with Santa. Santa got word about Lucas, and he was going to wave to him from a distance, because Santa would not exclude a child. Lucas was still having anxiety so my daughter again took him out to the car, so he can have his quiet time and his brother can still enjoy the activities. Santa got word about Lucas not able to stay in the bar and was in the car. When he finished with his last child he came to the car, spoke to Lucas and as you can see by this wonderful picture, they connected.
This was such a wonderful second in the world, we all got a little emotional. I know it also touched Lucas.
Santa was not done yet. A mother was walking with her daughter, who missed the breakfast because she had cheerleading. Santa went back in to spend time with this little girl also.
I just had to share this story because it touched my daughter and I so much. I am getting teary eyed just typing this.
I want to thank everyone who was there that morning. LAOH Division 25, the employees of the Red Rooster Inn and of course Mr. and Mrs. Claus. You gave a little boy who was scared and uncomfortable the space he needed and the warmth of friendly and wonderful people. With everyone I spoke to I don’t believe it was just the Christmas spirit with us all that morning. It was good and caring people who shared a wonderful experience with my family.
I can’t thank you all enough.
Judy Yeager
Somerton
