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Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsTerminally ill boy dies in Santa's arms
A US man who dresses up as Santa Claus fulfilled a dying boy's Christmas wish by visiting him at his bedside, before the youngster passed away in his arms.
Eric Schmitt-Matzen rushed to a local in Tennessee hospital after receiving a call about a terminally ill five-year-old boy who wanted to see Santa Claus.
The 60-year-old impersonator said he gave the child a present and a big hug before holding him as he died.
The boy's family watched on from the hallway as they cried, he told the BBC.
"When I felt the life go from him, I looked up, tears running down my face, and looked over at the window and that's when mom started screaming," he said.
Mr Schmitt-Matzen said he had asked family members to remain outside the room if they were going to break into tears when he arrived for the visit.
"I have to be the happy guy that makes this kid feel great and smile and forget his worries," he said.
http://www.bbc.com/news/38293294
hlthe2b
(101,730 posts)COLGATE4
(14,732 posts)lpbk2713
(42,697 posts)I'm sure that would do me in.
dixiegrrrrl
(60,010 posts)What a gift for the family as well as the child.
Barack_America
(28,876 posts)So strange how life throws us together.
Man, I'm going to have to cry this one out for a bit.
Are_grits_groceries
(17,111 posts)He passed in happiness and peace, not fear. The last best present ever. We should all be so lucky.