Have you ever wondered about the profound impact Santa Claus can have on the lives of children, especially during the holiday season?
Playing Santa is no easy task, with the immense pressure to fulfill every child’s expectations. However, the joy of bringing smiles and magic to children’s lives outweighs the challenges.
One Santa, Eric Schmitt-Matzen, faced a heart-wrenching situation in 2016 when he granted the final wish of a terminally ill five-year-old boy in Tennessee.
After receiving a desperate call from a nurse at a hospital, Eric hurried to meet the boy whose last wish was to meet Santa Claus. The boy’s mother handed Eric a Paw Patrol figure, his desired Christmas gift, and tearfully watched as Eric entered the boy’s room.
In a poignant moment, the boy asked Eric how he would recognize where he was going after he passed away. Eric comforted him by saying to identify himself as Santa’s top elf at the Pearly Gates for easy entry.
The boy hugged Eric tightly before peacefully passing away in his arms, leaving Eric profoundly moved by the experience.
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Eric, a former army veteran, was deeply affected by the boy’s passing but found solace in the love and laughter he brings to children as Santa Claus.
Despite the touching nature of the story, doubts arose about its authenticity shortly after gaining widespread attention in December 2016. Eric, hurt by the skepticism, expressed disappointment at being called a liar despite his intentions to honor the boy’s privacy.
In his text message to TIME, Eric shared his feelings of being used and criticized for sharing the heartfelt events involving the boy.
This emotional tale serves as a reminder of the profound impact small gestures of kindness can have on others. Share your thoughts below.
READ MORE: A heartwarming exchange between an autistic boy and Santa that changed everything
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