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Yes, Mrs. Smith...there is a Santa Claus..

Party Girl Returns!

I've been missing from Blogland for a few weeks because I've been at this huge party. Family and friends will tell you that I have a talent for throwing awesome parties. This party was a doozy! I was the only guest
(hooray for me!) Maybe you've even been to one of these fabulous special occasions...It's called the Pity Party.

I really threw myself into the festivities. I dressed up in my special Pity Party attire of sweats and tees. I ate Frownies. I played sad music. I grumbled and griped at everyone I know. I even let my nerve endings blow out into a full bout of shingles! I know how to throw a good party!

I honestly thought this party was going to last forever...that is, until my daughter made Santa Claus cry. Yep, nothing like Santa's tears to put the smack-down on a good Pity Party.


It started at the mall last week. I figured it was still too early for Santa to be hanging out at his usual spot in the center court area. Boy howdy, was I wrong! Not only was Santa there, but he brought lots of elves, a postal center for North Pole mailings, a naughty/nice meter and paparrazi! Irish Dancer Girl was in holiday heaven!

She starts tugging on my Pity Party clothes and dragging me toward Santa. "But you aren't wearing your Christmas outfit!" I whined. "Let's come back when you have it on."

"Mommy, Santa will like my rockstar dress...trust me, it's fine." She continues dragging me toward the elfin paparrazi. I just sighed, and we hit the red carpet toward Santa.

Irish Dancer Girl climbed on Santa's lap and very intently began to give him "the list." She was so serious that the elf photographer took an extra photo and didn't even charge me for it. "That's a keeper!" said the elf. Finally, she and Santa smiled for the elf and "pop" went the flash. We wandered over to where the photos were printed to wait.

Suddenly, Santa appeared and knelt down next to Irish Dancer Girl. "You have the purest heart of any child I've ever met. I hope all of your Christmas wishes comes true." He gave her a big hug. Then he stood and I saw tears in his eyes. He grasped my hands and said, "I've been doing this for many years. I really felt like this was my last year. Children seem so caught up in the material world and some can be pretty demanding." He smiled and continued.."Your daughter didn't ask me for toys. She asked that this NOT be her Daddy's last Christmas with her. She told me he was sick. She asked if I could give her more Christmas seasons with her Dad."

Of course, my Pity Party ended right there on the spot. I became a blubbery mess all over Santa and his red suit. I scooped up Irish Dancer Girl and smothered her with hugs and smoochies.

Santa patted my shoulder. "I think I'm going to stick around the North Pole a while longer now," he smiled and started back toward his chair. Irish Dancer Girl ran up to him and gently tugged on his jacket. He bent down and she whispered (really loudly), "Oh, and can you bring me the Powerpuff Girls dolls?" He winked at her and looked at me. I gave him the thumbs up. "I'll see what I can do!" he smiled, hugged her again and went back to greet the other children.

I am deeply saddened that this most likely will be our last Christmas with Chilly. This realization is what started my big old Pity Party a few weeks ago. My daughter has never been told anything about this. She just intuitively sensed that time is of the essence. She helped me to remember that we must celebrate this season...fill it with happy memories...give each other all of our love with joy, not fill ourselves up with the sadness of what might have been. She also reminded me of the magic of the season...where hope lives and faith abounds.

As we move into the holiday season, I wish you all days filled with laughter, shared happy memories and the creation of new traditions while honoring old ones.

Wishing you all a very Happy Thanksgiving too!

xoxo,

Comments

Randi Troxell said…
i can't even imagine what you are going through..

so therefore.. i won't type any trite somethings hoping that it'll make you feel better..

but all i'll say.. is that you and yours will permanently stay in both my thoughts and prayers... and if i were anywhere near you right now.. i would give you a gigantic hug...
Kristina P. said…
Oh, Dawn, I am so sorry. I hope that there is a Christmas miracle and you have many more with Chilly to come.
Anonymous said…
I'm so sorry girl. I wish there was something that I could do. I'm saying a prayer for you and your family and I truly hope that this is not your last Christmas with Chilly. **Big, warm hugs**
Eve said…
I wish there was more I could do, but you all are in my prayers.
I wish you the very merriest Christmas Season EVER! :)
Beth said…
Dawn,

You have no idea how I needed to read this today. Chilly is so lucky to have you because you are going to make this a Christmas to remember.

Your little girl made me a blubbery mess, too. What a sweetie she is!

Happy Thanksgiving,
Beth
Kim said…
What a lovely, moving post . . . You and your family give real meaning to the word "thanksgiving."
I know it seems odd to say this since I have never met her, but I LOVE HER! I love her beautiful, intuitive soul.
Tracy said…
Mamma Bee!
I'm so sorry you guys are having to face this realization. I wish you nothing but the best and am sending lots of love your way. Enjoy every second you have and cherish every memory you can. I'm praying for you and your family.

Lots of Love,
Tracy
Caitlin said…
Don't face it! Put it in the back of your mind and really live every second of this Christmas. Remember everything & keep it forever. Your sweet daughter! I can't believe what a wonderful girl she is. All my love & hugs coming your way.

xoxoxox
Caitlin
Unknown said…
Ahh, Dawn, you never cease to amaze me. If anyone has the right to a pity party, it's you. Sometimes that stiff upper lip gets too heavy to bear. We should all make the most of every moment we have together--no one ever knows how much time they have. Hugs and prayers to you and yours.
LadyStyx said…
*sniffles* What a sweet little lady you have there!
Anonymous said…
Thank you Dawn for the reminder to enjoy every moment we have with our loved ones. Now, I am crying like a baby ;-) I hope this is not your last Christmas with Chilly...he's been such a trooper through it all. Such a sweet Christmas wish from Irish Dancer girl. Big hugs to you all! And I'm glad your pity party is over. I have been missing you.

Jamie :)
Ashley said…
I had a feeling that she was going to ask Santa for that and when I got to that part, I cried. I hope this holiday season is truly a blessing for you. But it seems that you already have one of the most amazing blessings in life for your daughter.
Mike said…
What can I say? That was beautiful. That was sad. That brought about emotions in me that I have not felt in some time.

It was nice to see a little girl who believes in Santa Claus, make Santa Claus believe in a little girl.

Happy Thanksgiving to all three of you! (tears)
OH....I am just sooooo sorry. What a beautiful sole your daughter has. Hugs!
Liz Mays said…
Oh I think you certainly deserve some time to deal with the emotions you're going through. It can't possibly be easy and I wish there was something we could do to help. Love you, Dawn.
Unknown said…
I echo those before me...she is definetly a beautiful soul...but YOU know where she get's that...

I will send you all the hugs I can...be kind to youself...Please!

xoxo
Cara said…
Dawn,
What a beautiful post. Irish Dancer Girl is truly a wonderful little soul. What a blessed family you have, even during these tough times. Much love to you.
Cyndy Bush said…
Oh, she made me cry too. What a precious child. I'm so sorry for what your family is going through.
xoxo
Anonymous said…
That is a tear jerker of a story.
(((HUGS)))
My heart aches for your family. I really hope Irish Dancer's wishes come true.
I'm wishing you and your loved ones a miracle!
I have no words..mostly because I can't see through the tears!

My thoughts and prayer are with you and your family!
Mrs4444 said…
I wonder what led me to click on your button today, Dawn (the button at the bottom of my blog). And here I find this terrible news and beautiful post. Oh, honey...I'm so sorry.
aurora said…
This breaks my heart. Hugs and love to you all.
xox Aurora
KatBouska said…
Oh boy, this hits really close to home for me. I was seven when my Dad of cancer...I really identify with your daughter and what she's feeling and how she's expressing herself. Give her another extra big hug for me.
kado! said…
I'm in tears and so are the women in the kitchen with me that I just shared your post with.

I hope you and your family have a very blessed Thanksgiving today. You are in my thoughts especially today.
Randi Troxell said…
happy thanksgiving dear.... i'm thinking of you and yours!
Brian Miller said…
ditto on the blubbery mess...wishing you an amazing holiday season! congrats on the potw over at Goddess!
The Blonde Duck said…
Just checking in on ya'll...

I hope you had a good Thanksgiving!
Holidays are always hard during trying times. Your sweet child has touched my heart today. Treasure each moment. My heart goes out to you.
we all have thrown a "private" party (that's what i refer to them as) for ourself every blue moon. stay calm and keep moving ... forward. besides, look at how many of us find you to be so very interesting? christmas will be better!

may
Dear Dawn,

Tears are running down my cheeks now. You and your family are in my heart and I love you guys.
♥ Noelle ♥ said…
omg how precious is that!! i've been missing soo much on your blog! i must keep reading to catch up! prayers are with you all ♥
LORI said…
I HAVE NO WORDS RIGHT NOW, MORE LATER.
Dear Dawn, I wish I could say something more helpful and meaningful than I'm so sorry, but that is how I feel...I wish I could do or say something that could help you...You are amazing and strong and have a wonderful family. Life is so hard sometimes, I know I post pictures about parties and fun and games but I do know that it can be very sad and challenging, ( I had cancer after I had my first child) but we must trudge along for our childrens sake and only God knows what is truly to come, so although you are preparing your self in a sense, please always keep the faith and hope alive and live each day to the fullest.
God Bless
xx
Bunny
This comment has been removed by the author.
Debbie said…
I'm at a loss for words. I'm going to pray for a Christmas miracle for your family as well.
Shan G said…
Oh Dawn, my friend..BIG HUGE HUGS TO YOU!!

I am literally in tears after reading that. Ok, I started crying WHILE reading that.

I am praying for you family. And I believe in Santa Claus..and miracles...and the magic of Christmas.

Glad you are back. But now I am a blubbering mess.
That is a touching story and I truly hope you and your daughter get your Christmas miracle.Your daughter is wise beyond her years.
Unknown said…
I just realized how long it has been since I have been over here.

I didn't manage to get through that without tears in my eyes. That had to be one of the most amazing things a child has ever done, sometimes I think they are far wiser than all of us adults put together.

I do wish you and your family nothing but hope and happiness and I do sincerely hope for a Christmas miracle for all of you!

You are all in my thoughts and prayers!
Shannon said…
This is my first time here. A friend sent me the link. Your story touched my heart and brought tears to my eyes. What a precious angel girl you have. I am praying for you.
Bloggymommy said…
I am sitting here crying! That is just...sad and sweet at the same time. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family! I hope that this Christmas is a wonderful one for you all. I hope you get a wonderful Christmas miracle! ((hugs))
Bloggymommy said…
I am sitting here crying! That is just...sad and sweet at the same time. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family! I hope that this Christmas is a wonderful one for you all. I hope you get a wonderful Christmas miracle! ((hugs))
Erin said…
Oh my goodness. I could barely read that. I don't know you, but I'm crying right now. Your daughter is beautiful in her heart and I'll say a Christmas wish for her that Santa gives her what she wants. Thanks so much for this story.
This is my first time here (Shan from Last Shreds of Sanity sent me over) and wow I think everyone needs to read this this year.

The things that matter most...

I will be praying for your family. Miracles do happen and I truly hope your family gets one for Christmas this year.
tara said…
What a very touching post, you have such a special little girl. I will be thinking of you and your family. Here's to a fabulous Holiday!
Unknown said…
God Bless your little princess. That was so touching and I can relate. My father in law passed away 6 days before my daughters birthday she wanted to skip her birthday. Kids are smarter then we think. Stay strong not only for your daughter, but for your husband. I have learned it makes things easier on everyone. ((HUGS))
Dawn you dont know me from Adam, but I want to tell you have as many pitty parties as you need. Life is hard but not living is harder, time takes care of it all. I hope for you and Rock star Girl that the season is blessed!
Frantic Holly said…
Many prayers for your family. God does work in mysterious ways and may he look over you all.

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