Many children grew up with the thought that Santa Claus loved and respected every child in the world. He would keep a close tab on things that were going on throughout the year and come up with his naughty and nice lists, depending upon how the child acted. I have to admit that I knew a lot of children who deserved to be on the naughty list when I was younger and none of them made that list. It’s obvious that he has a big heart for the kids who need him on that particular day.
Of course, all children love Santa Claus but for Matthew, the son of Misty Wolf, the circumstances are different. He was born blind and has autism so he is a special needs child and most people would not know how to handle him if he were sitting on their lap.
We are thankful that Santa is not a stranger to children and this is something that Misty learned firsthand when she paid a visit to him at a local function. It turns out that Santa is going to make her son feel comfortable and secure, despite his limitations.
Matthew has an interest in Santa. He was having a hard time picturing what Santa looks like because he was born blind. People would describe him but it wasn’t the same as seeing him. Misty knew that he would want to explore with his hands to learn as much about Santa as he possibly could. When she put him on Santa’s lap, she whispered quietly in his ear that he was blind and autistic.
Santa simply said: “Say no more.”
Santa didn’t sit for long. He got down on the floor and started talking to Matthew about school, family and many other topics. He also let Matthew touch him so that the child could ‘see’ what he looked like. He even got to tug on his beard and feel the softness of his velvet coat.
“He asked Matthew if he wanted to feel anything and Matthew said ‘your eyes that twinkle’ (from the poem ‘Twas the night before Christmas),” Misty explained. “So Santa let him touch all over his eyes for as long as Matthew wanted.”
This has got to be the sweetest thing we have ever seen.
“Then Santa said ‘have you ever felt a real reindeer?’ Santa then carried him over to the display area. And had Matthew pet the taxidermy reindeer they had set up,” wrote Misty. “It was great. My heart was full seeing Matthew so interested.”
Even though Matthew has some challenges, Santa recognized that he was just like any other child. He was curious and simply needed somebody who was willing to adjust for his circumstances.
It is a good reminder for all of us that special needs kids are kids. We should do what we can to help them feel comfortable.