For many, many years I have been playing the part of Santa
Clause for people with developmental disabilities, and I love it. I go to a
Christmas dance they have and play Santa and I go to one of the residences. The
dance has a great number of people who attend and they want a picture of Santa
with them, so I gladly do it.
The residence is a smaller quieter affair for about 8
people, all adults that can’t speak or function too well, and this is a labor
of love for me beyond question, it is a wonderful half hour, I take a picture
or two, hand out presents and leave. Usually staff brings their children and I
take pictures with them too.
I usually return the costume a few days before Christmas and
often wish I had a grandchild I could wear the suit for, and this year the wish
has come true. I am a happy grandpa! Beautiful Darby is coming around the 19th,
and I will use the Santa Costume at some point to get a picture of her with
Santa. I did it last year for a niece and a nephew, and so I will for beautiful
Darby.
Since little Darby Shea is coming for Christmas, I am busy
getting the house ready for her. It has to be a magical place where she can
amuse herself, wonder and be happy: it’s my job to see she does. I have never
been so happy, especially this year without Mom who passed in June. Darby is a bigger gift than I imagined.
I’ve decided Darby can do anything, she is so bright I hope
she doesn’t out-smart me. She will have me as her assistant and we will learn
some songs, maybe a lullaby or two, and maybe I’ll teach her some things that
any baby who has Italian blood in her should know. There will be a lot of
camera time, and a lot of playtime for her and Grandpa. It will be the best
Christmas I will ever have until the next one.
Address: 1231 Taft Hwy, Signal
Mountain, TN 37377
Phone:(423) 886-6943
Hours: Open today · 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
DO YOU WATCH THE BIG
BANG THEORY?
You should
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