A Special Visit with Santa

This semester I met a nice young woman named Jessica. With Jessica’s help, I was able to quickly learn how to make the transformation from Steelworker to college
student.

She taught me how to take notes in class, how to study for exams,
as well as numerous research strategies.

Over the semester I learned that Jessica has two children, a boy 4 named Daniel, and a little girl named Rebecca, 7 that has Rett Syndrome, and that her husband Dan is in the Air Force.
She explained the workings of a military family, the transfers, and the
deployments and how, at times these issues can be a little more hectic because
of their daughter’s special needs.

As the holiday season approached we discussed our family’s plans and traditions. I told her about my motorcycle club, The Semites on Bikes, traditional ride called the Santa Launch.

With childlike excitement I explained to her about the biker reindeer, the ride around the beltway, and Santa Clause in his magical motorcycle sleigh. She smiled and laughed as I talked about all of the fun that we have, and she was a little
perplexed as to why a Jewish MC has a Santa.

Jessica told me that her daughter has never had her picture taken with Santa. Her daughter is easily overly stimulated and that a trip to the local mall for a picture with Santa is out of the question.

I told her not to worry that Santa will be at my house just to see her son and her little girl. Santa came early to the Rabbi’s house and so did Jessica and her family. Dan was the first to visit with Santa.

He climbed up on Santa’s lap and had a nice chat, as well as a list of well-deserved toys that he would like delivered.

Next was Rebecca to visit the Santa, he carefully lifted her on his lap and smiled at her and although Rebecca said nothing, the smile and expression on her face spoke volumes to all in the room.

While Rebecca visited with Santa I heard the roar of two wheeled Reindeer approaching the house. I asked Jessica if we could take Daniel outside to see the sled and meet the reindeer. Little Daniel came outside, and visited with Rudolph and the reindeer, and an elf on a three-wheeler.  I lifted the little man and placed him on the seat of the sleigh and he sat on that Harley like he had been riding for years.

As Rebecca quickly tired from the excitement, her family gathered to leave. Jessica turned to me and told me how great it was to be able to bring her family to see Santa, and that it had been a long time since she saw her little girl smiled.

It has always amazed me how, candles on menorah, a tree with lights or a fat man in a red suit can bring a smile to the face and joy to the heart of so many. There really is something magical about this time of year.

Happy Holidays everyone.