10cc: Be quiet, big boys don't cry, Big boys don't cry, Big boys don't cry....

[Omaha Steve]

X post from GD.


It has been about 30 years since I first became a Santa's helper in the Omaha area malls. You can't imagine the joy of a Santa that just wants to play the part, not worrying about making a $.

My first year as Santa took me to the Southroads mall in Bellevue (now closed) and the Omaha Crossroads mall that will soon be converted to other use. On Christmas Eve that first year I was at the Southroads. Half way through my shift a family of four were brought to the front of the line for a set of complimentary photos. Standard practice for the handy capped kids or adults alike.

Mom, pop, son, and daughter. All four squeezed in around me for a picture. It's been so long I can't remember her name. I distinctly remember her visit. She was small, frail, braces on her legs, and a beautiful child. She was one of Jerry's Kid's.

Our family has always participated in raising $ around the Labor Day of Love for the special kids. Sitting there was like being in one of those videos they run during the telethon. I lost it. I started crying there in the chair in front of everybody. My eyes were so red they didn't want to take the photo. The people in line knew what was going on. The family couldn't see it.

My helper said Santa needs a quick break. Here is you tea Santa. I went to the desk so they could dry my face. The helper told me I had to cheer up now for her. Do your ho, ho, ho. I did. I went back and it worked. Everybody was all smiles.

I vowed to myself to never tear up as Santa ever again. Through 100's of visits of this type over the many years I never broke my vow. The memory of that Christmas Eve always came to mind and got me through it all with a smile.

You might remember I was asked to volunteer to be part of a group for recently terminally diagnosed patients. This past week was my first time to sit in. I can't talk about the session and how it went. I can tell you thanks to my Santa experience I didn't turn red or cry even though it would have been so easy to do.

After the session one of the trained Counselors had some comments. When I was asked how I stayed so positive on my first sit in, I explained the Santa experience. The reply was "good job Santa".

With my neck and shoulder problems I'll never be able to put on a red suit again. Helping others in their new situation might just fill that void.

OS

[Dont call me Shirley]

1. From the song...

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It's healthy to shed some tears. Tears are powerful healers. I honor your generosity of self, your compassion and your courageous heart, Steve.