I narrated the entire incident and the conversation I had with the young boy and his grandmother.
"I would take you to the hospital" said Ron and drove me to the hospital. Ron said he would wait for me outside and I went to look for the ward number where Anna was perhaps breathing her last. I found the room and as I peeked into it I could see that the room was all full of people probably her near and dear ones. There I saw the young boy resting against his grandmother. A lady whom I presumed her mother was sitting beside Anna. She was gently moving her hand slowly against her hair.
I took a deep breath and with a smiling face entered the room with " Ho Ho Ho " sound. Then I realized how difficult it is to fake. How difficult it is to bear a smile when you actually are broken deep within.
The young Anna surprisingly busted out the word "Santa" instantly. She wanted to break open the mesh of pipes and machines all over her body and run up to. But could not. She was too weak to even stand on her own forget about running. I ran straight to her and gave her a nice bear hug. She resembled that of my own daughter Jenny.
As I hugged her I could feel her bones .She was pale and weak and had bald patches on her head but on the other hand she had a beautiful gift of God which very few people have "The Blue Colored Eyes”. They were so beautiful and hypnotically.
Seeing her condition my heart melted and I had to nearly choke myself from crying out.
I picked up the young angel and started talking to her. She was too sweat and opened her heart out to me. I asked her what she wanted for Christmas and she gave me a long list of her wishes on the assurance of being a good girl.
While we were chatting I could see rest of her family members whispering. Anna's mother approached and whispered "Thanks Santa". But this was the least I could do.
It was getting too late and doctors advice rest for Anna, so we all huddled around her bed and sang Christmas Carols. Everybody had tears in their eyes, tears of joy, tears of pain, and tears of hope. I took her small hands and said to her authoritatively I do not want to see you on bed the next time I come at the Christmas. You need to give in your best and get well soon". I knew I was asking for something which is a little too much. But I had to. I had to give her no toys, no dolls, no colors but the gift of Life, the Hope to Survive.
She agreed and said "Yes Santa, I would come a meet you next year for sure”. I could see the determination in her Blue eyes. I could see the seed of hope in them.
As I could not hold myself anymore, so I bid the young girl good bye and came running outside.
As i reached outside the room, I saw Ron standing outside the ward. We saw in each other's eyes. I could no longer control my tears and cried unashamed.
The Young boy came out with his grandmother and thanked me for my visit and hugged me.
An year later, when I again posed as Santa during the Christmas season one day a girl came up to me. She wanted to sit on my laps and talk.
She started off by saying “Hi Santa. Remember me?” As every child wanted to be felt special, I lied “Yes my darling I remember you very well”. This was the secret to be a good Santa. She continued by saying that “ You came to meet me in the Child Hospital”. I was pleasantly shocked. Tears filled my eyes to see the Miracle. I immediately recognized those Blue eyes and hugged her tightly to my chest and said "Anna".
She was all dressed like a fairy with silk blond hair and rosy cheeks much different to what I saw her in hospital. I could then see Anna's mother standing on one side wiping her tears. My hands and eyes immediately rose up to the sky and I thanked God. Certainly almighty is great and his generosity cannot be ever measured. He is kind enough to listen to honest prayers and wishes. He dint only gave new life to Anna but also in a way me my lost daughter back..
Years later, when I had aged a little, it was the first Christmas of my life when I could not go and pose as a Santa as I was gravely ill. I had lost hope in life and was sure wont survive this ailment, Doctors had also lost hope and so did I, On the Christmas day I was taken to the operation theatre and for the first time on a Christmas day I wore a green gown that patients wear instead of the red white Santa dress. The doctor came in and someone hold my hand. The face was covered but the eyes were similar. I said to myself I know these eyes. The Doctor said” Hey Santa don’t worry, I and god will surely make you well and smiling. “
You are great, I said in my heart… The young girl who was on verge of death year back has now become mascot of life for me. I dint want to live for myself but for thousands of children who wait for me every year as their Santa.
When I came out of Operation Theatre, in semi conscious state I thanked god once again.
Almighty is so great, instead of coming himself on earth he chooses we the human beings. Once I saved Annas life in gods disguise and this time she saved mine.
That was the best Christmas gift I ever had in my life "The Greatest Gift on Christmas.”
