I remember when you were young and so very small. You were so full of energy and not a care in the world. You didn't care who won the election or what one was for that matter. Your biggest worry was whether there would be a shiny new bike under the tree on Christmas morning. You always tried so hard to stay up late and catch Santa at his work only to wake up the next morning to find the cookies eaten and the milk gone but the bike was there as promised.

I watched as you grew and the bike became a car. I remember your first date and how scared you were to steal that first kiss. High school was hard for you but you persevered and somehow made it through and I was proud of you.

We all worried when you went to war. So many fine young men left but too few returned. You worked so hard to start over when you got back and you succeeded. You cried when your son was born and you held him for the first time. You cried again when your father died. You taught your son about Christmas, took him to church and later, to have his picture taken with Santa. And you smiled on Christmas eve when he finally fell asleep watching the tree cookies and milk waiting.

If I could have but one wish it would be that you could be like him again, like you were at his age. I remember how you looked at life with wonder and joy and love. Everyone was your friend. When they were hurting, you felt it with them. When the less fortunate needed food, you helped raise money to get it for them. You cared. You didn't even know them but you cared. If only you would care again my wish would be fulfilled. You may have stopped believing in me a very long time ago, but I never stopped believing in you.

With Love,

Santa