When I walked in, he was laying there, so weak it looked like he was ready to fall asleep. I sat down on his bed and asked, “Say, what’s this I hear about you’re gonna miss Christmas? There’s no way you can miss Christmas! Why, you’re my Number One elf!”He looked up and said, “I am?” I said, “Sure!” I gave him the present. He was so weak he could barely open the wrapping paper. When he saw what was inside, he flashed a big smile and laid his head back down. “They say I’m gonna die,” he told me. “How can I tell when I get to where I’m going?” I said, “Can you do me a big favor?” He said, “Sure!” “When you get there, you tell ’em you’re Santa’s Number One elf, and I know they’ll let you in.” He said, “They will?” I said, “Sure!”The young boy passed away right after his conversation with Santa and despite the tragedy of the situation it is wonderful that the boy was able to find some comfort in his conversation with Santa during his dying moments. We cannot even fathom the pain this young boys family must be going through to lose anyone, especially a five-year old child so close to Christmas. Our sincere condolences go out to his family and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time.
