Bosco Claus

Hip replacement surgery doesn't stop Santa from mailing his letter out to my children for Christmas!

My uncle Lonnie (we call him Bosco)is our "secret Santa!" While my sister Laci and I were children, we received a mysterious letter from Santa that was delivered to our house around Christmas time every year. Now the mysterious letter from Santa shows up in my mailbox, addressed to Madalynn, Justis, Dawson and Jillian! Despite having hip replacement surgery only weeks ago, Uncle Bosco made sure the kids got their letter from Santa again this year!

The kids' surprise letter from Santa came in the mail Wednesday. Seeing the envelope instantly brought a smile to my face and brought back fond memories of how Laci and I would try to figure out how Santa did it.

Nosy Madalynn was the first to spy the picture from Santa Claus on the front of the envelope while I was pulling the mail from the mailbox through the car window.

"Mom! Who is that letter for?"

"Hmmm. Let's see," I said making a big deal out of it so the other three (sitting in their car seats in the back of the van) would hear as well. I held up the envelope before opening it so the kids could see the picture of Santa and their names on the front.

"It says," I announced, "A letter from Santa. To, Madalynn, Justis, Dawson and Jillian. Personal."

Their eyes got big as they held their breath waiting for me to open the envelope.

"So, are you going to open it and read it to us, mom?!" Justis said with mounting anticipation in his voice.

"Listen carefully," I said.

I read the letter out loud to the children twice. The first time I think they were still wondering how in the world Santa knew they had moved to Louisiana. The second time, they took to heart what Santa had to say to them. Smiles spread across their faces as they shuffled out of the van silently when I was finished reading. They were trying to guess what Santa would bring them.

Thanks, Uncle Bosco, for the wonderful memories you made with the letters "Santa" sent Laci and I AND for passing the fun on to the children. We love you!