The Unconditional Provisional...

Hello and Happy Saturday.

This fall marks the third straight year I will be doing something recommended to me by a close friend. This friend of mine noticed how I was always on the side of mullygrubbing (Texas slang for depressed and down) as the holidays drew near. This fried of mine pulled me aside and essentially got in my grill.

'You think you have it tough? You got it so bad? Think about that 8 year old in a hospital who is terminally ill and has less than six months to live! How about that soldier who just back from Iraq who is now missing a limb from serving his country? Ever take the time to talk to an elderly person inside a home or a shelter this time of year? You have it so damn good I want to make a recommendation for you.'

'And what might that be?' I asked quizzically.

'I'm going to rent you a Santa Suit. On the weekend, I want you to just drive around and wave to adults and kids in that suit and see what happens. Don't anticipate anything. Just go out and be jolly! Can you do that?' 

'Of course I can.' was my retort. 'Heck for years I was the Easter Bunny in April at my place of work! This will be cake.' 

It was true. For four years in Irving I indeed dressed up in a bunny suit on Easter Sunday and appeased the kids and the parents and the friends.

A four hour gig of unconditional love for a furry little creature who means so many things to so many people young and old. I expected more of the same donning the red and the white. 

I got more than I bargained for...

It all began while walking the area of Dallas' Uptown near Truluck's Restaurant.

An elderly couple approached me and spoke about how their daughter died this time of year yet she LOVED Santa Claus. I listened and nodded while fighting back tears and giving the couple a hug.

20 yards further down I encounter a young bunch of kids. I smell the alcohol on them yet they want a picture with the big man. I oblige and off they go. A nice moment.

As luck would have it a single mother of two is walking of twins, maybe ages 2-3, down the street. She stops for a moment and mutters 'It's Santa Claus kiddies!' I saw a smile appear from one of the kids. 

As Mom reached for a camera, I kneeled down to stand at about the same height as the kids. Mom clicked and shook my hand, and off I went.

On and on this happened for about three hours in downtown Uptown Dallas that December night in 2008. I remember having no ill feelings of anger whatsoever.

I actually felt a twinge of guilt. How could so many people have feelings of unconditional love (like a puppy about to lick your face) toward a symbol of what we have been taught to love and revere?

In retrospect did it really matter? What if for that one moment of connectivity, being able to take pain and sadness away from a person was a nice feeling, a good moment, even a welcome change of pace in the daily grind of life? Well worth it, I would later come to discover. Santa means and symbolizes so many things to so many people. It wasn't my place to ask why. Only to understand and respect the dynamic of the moment...

24 hours later I returned to pay my friend a visit.

'How you feeling, Santa?'

'Pretty Good.'

'Hiding under that costume, did you notice how people weren't afraid to open up to you?'

'Come to think of it, I DID notice that! But why?'

'Because Santa reminds us of many things relating to the real reason to the season. Those momentary interactions with complete strangers were an opportunity to let go and just have a moment of humility. The very thing God and Jesus speak of. Pretty humbling to have total strangers want to hug you for no apparent reason, huh?'

Come to think of it, my friend was absolutely 100% correct. It was the best I had felt in years. Because of that day in 2008 I spend up to a week wearing the Santa Suit to provide a moment's peace to total strangers now and in a way pay it forward. Take a moment to show my gratitude by passing it on to a total stranger during the stresses of the holidays.

Hard to believe it's now four years I am now doing this in December. Today and tomorrow in Grand Prairie will be a fun time. The suits keeps me warm in cold weather, which is about to start tomorrow...

To my friend Kevin, Good Call! Thanks for always reminding me of this. I now wear Santa proudly.

Last night's Christmas Show shall be replayed Tuesday Night on www.kvceradio.com at 8pm CST. It was fun to work alongside Gene Long again. 

Happy Holidays. It's almost over.

Over and out in Big D.

Mr. Will