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Many people have asked why becoming Santa means so much to me.
Years ago, I worked as an oncology nurse. One of my patients was a young college student who came to the hospital not feeling well. After many tests, she was diagnosed with leukemia.
Like many patients, we formed a bond, but this one was special. She would request me as her nurse when I was working, and it meant more to me than she ever knew.
She was admitted around Christmas, and her room looked like Christmas had exploded inside it. Decorations were everywhere. Her family became very special to me. We spent hours talking about faith, family, our children, and life.
When she was finally discharged, she handed me a CD and asked me to watch it. I discovered her family had quietly taken photographs throughout her stay. The CD was a slideshow of those pictures set to music. It showed me caring for her during one of the hardest seasons of her life.
I never took care of people for recognition. I did it because I loved people.
Then my own health challenges ended my nursing career.
Losing that part of my life left a hole in my heart. I missed caring for people. I missed making a difference. I missed the feeling that God was using me to bring comfort during difficult moments.
Then one day a little girl saw Santa in me. She came running over to tell Santa what she wanted for Christmas and gave me a hug. Then she gave me a second hug. In that moment, I felt something I hadn’t felt since my nursing days.
I felt purpose.
I knew right then I wanted to become Santa—not for money, but for ministry. Not for attention, but for children. Especially children who may be facing difficult circumstances and need a little extra joy, hope, and love.
That’s why being selected by Christmas Dreams means so much to me. This nonprofit serves children who may not have another Christmas or who are facing some of life’s greatest challenges.
Soon I’ll begin traveling to visit these children and their families.
I may no longer wear scrubs, but God has given me another suit to wear.
And once again, I get to do what I’ve always loved most:
Bring comfort, hope, and joy to people who need it.
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