This holiday season, the Flawless family has been busy spreading love, hope, and friendship to those who are living with mental health challenges. It has been a hectic week for all of us finishing up finals at school, work and preparing for the holidays, and we were so grateful to experience some Flawless Magic that touched our hearts and meant everything to us. As the story goes…..
‘Twas a few days before Christmas, and we set off to the Veterans Hospital to visit our local Veterans and share some cheer with them. Our Flawless family prepared our “You Are Flawless” lunch boxes to deliver with cold water, lip balm, tattoos, holiday postcards, and festive candy canes.
As we gathered in the parking lot of the VA hospital to organize our supplies, a real live Santa suddenly appeared. He arrived in his modernized sleigh mobile, a White Chevrolet Silverado complete with reindeer antlers and a red nose. We were like little kids waking up to Santa landing on the roof, and we were amazed and delighted to receive his visit as we began our day in the field.
This Santa Claus was a professional Santa who was also a retired marine. This week he spent his time spreading holiday cheer, and lifting spirits to those in need. He even shared that he was trained at the school of St. Nicholas! Flawless Fellow Jason shared that “meeting Santa was so inspiring & eye opening. He almost made me want to throw on the candy red suit to go cheer up some children”.
Meeting this incredible man was an inspiring start to our day of outreach at the VA and CityPlace. He was so joyous and kindhearted, and he told us that this kind of connection is what people need at this time of year. We found it ironic that the first Veteran we met that day before we even began our outreach was “Santa.” We thanked him for his service to our country AND as Santa. Then he thanked us and told us our work is extremely important.
The meaningful lesson here is to slow down and be present. This week was also the winter solstice reminding us of the journey from the darkest time of the year to the light. With all the busyness and activity, it is important to remember to pause and absorb the light and magic that is all around us. Our experience at the Veteran’s Hospital is a true example of this, as you never know where a real live Santa may appear to remind you of your flawlessness!
*To view our video recap click here!
