This Is For Reallys: 2005

Maria was anxious for us to meet her friends.

In the grocery store she had tearfully told us about CUCIL.

She worked for them.

It is a group with the goal of empowering people

with disabilities to reach their full potential.

As we approached the restaurant

a woman on crutches said to me,

"I haven't seen you for such a long time."

I spoke with her and then we entered the front door

and found a room full of smiling people. Little children found their way to us. We listened to their wishes. Once in awhile a child at heart would sit on Santa's knee. "I'm 29 and I still believe. You are the real Santa," a sweet young lady said to Santa. Children in wheelchairs came. We tried to reach anyone who came to the party.
A small boy, about four, crawled up on Santa's knee. He looked Santa square in the eye, straightened himself up, and posed for some kind of proclamation. His eyes were wide. He had a cute little pug nose and you sensed that he was all business. Then it came:
"This is for reallys!"
He made sure Santa was listening as he told him what he wanted for Christmas. It was like he was cancelling out anything he had said or written before. This was it.

"This is for reallys!"

It is always touching to be in the presence of those who struggle so much and those who work so hard to assist them. Maria was such a woman. You could tell by watching her with people. We could tell it from the first time we met her that she loved people. We could see it in action. She thanked us for coming. We thanked her. No, Maria. You are for Reallys. You do an excellant job. Keep up the work. Thank you for letting us be a part of this occasion.

Mrs. Claus