By Abigail Camilo – An un named 5 year-old terminally ill boy was being treated at a Tennessee hospital. The hospital staff contacted Eric Schmitt-Matzen, an engineer who looks just like Santa Clause and asked if he can come in to deliver a gift to the boy.
60-year old, Schmitt-Matzen has done about 80 appearances this year, but this one would be unforgettable for him.
Schmitt-Matzen rushed to the hospital to see the sick boy. “They told me i am going to die,” the boy told Santa “how do I get to know where I’m going?” Kris Kringle replied by saying “When you get there, you tell ‘em you’re Santa’s number one elf, and I know they’ll let you in.”
“He kinda sat up and gave me a big hug and asked one more question: ‘Santa, can you help me?'”
“I wrapped my arms around him. Before I could say anything, he died right there. I let him stay, just kept hugging and holding on to him.”
After the boy’s family realized that he had died, Schmitt-Matzen said he left the hospital and cried all the way home.
Schmitt-Matzen considered hanging up his red suit but saw some children laughing and playing and then changed his mind.
“It made me realize the role I have to play,” said the part-time Santa, whose Facebook page has been flooded with likes. “For them and for me.”
Our hearts go to the 5-year old’s family and we would also like to thank Schmitt-Matzen for sharing his story about the true meaning of Christmas.
