Gord has played Santa a number of times now, so when RMH invited us to take the opportunity we jumped! I knew Gord would be the best Santa for this particular visit as he is quite comfortable (and compassionate) with sick children.
8 years ago, Shirley Potter donated a professional Santa Suit for the use of our support group, and HM. Santa comes to life yearly, primarily used for children who cannot go to the mall to see him.
Today was extra special.
Santa made an announcement at the house enticing the children to come on down! As he rang his bells and set off for the Christmas room, a little girl in pink pyjamas charged down the hall and into the foyer squealing with excitement waiting for a hug and a visit from Saint Nick.
Of all of the children that visited with Santa, this spirited 4 year old was the one child who did not display a certainty of shyness (except for the RMH elf who really wanted a tiffany ring...).
Recalling Miss Kali during those difficult hospital years, it did not have to be explained to us why the kids were tentative around Santa. Nevertheless, they were still delighted to see him and most of them agreeable to sit on his lap.
The youngest was a baby just weeks old, the oldest members being the staff (who are incredibly warm I might add).
The most touching moment (which caused Santas glasses to fog) was the little girl who asked for a toy for her sister. When Santa asked how old her sister was, a quiet reply came from a family friend. The little girl's sister (all of 2) had passed away yesterday. She was in heaven and needed a toy for Christmas.
Being behind the lens of my camera, I missed the moment but somehow felt grateful for the shelter as I dont feel (in my current emotional state) that I would have handled that professionally. As for Gordon and helper Elf (Kyrsti), the moment hit hard but past exposure enabled them to maintain composure for the other kids.
After Santa passed out packages to the kids, I went upstairs with him and helped him get out of his pants. 4 years of separation, I am still undressing this man ....
I am ok with that.... all for a good cause and the kids really enjoyed watching their dad come to life as we struggled with taming the beard so it would stay out of the nostrils, keeping the pants ON (integrity lacking in elastic) and belt not latching (so we used paperclips).
After we peeled Santa off of Gord, we all enjoyed freshly baked cinnamon buns and Christmas baking before another tour of the house was offered to us.
We saw the magic room in completion (this is a beautifully decorated room where kids can pick out a gift for their arrival, X-mas, last treatment and birthday).
To me, the whole experience there was magic, and when I look back to my 2010 Christmas I will think of today.
A great big thank you to everyone at RMH! It was so nice to see all the kids, parents, AND staff in the holly jolly spirit!
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