[Jim Noble]

Let me tell you a story.

My brother-in-law is away on active duty. His wife, my sister-in-law, was expecting their fourth on Christmas. Instead, she went into labor last week and had a stillborn baby girl.

My little niece and nephews were happily expecting their little sister. Instead, Mommy came home brokenhearted.

They were at my house the next night, with Dad home on leave. Then...a knock on the door.

There was Santa Claus himself, with a bag of gifts for my kids and their little cousins.

Now, you might say that the gifts were from neighbors, and that the jolly old fellow had rented his costume.

But you would be wrong.

This "teacher" has no idea what she is talking about - the poor thing.

[xsmommy]

God bless the neighbors, what a wonderful thing they did.

[Gabz]

My prayers to your in laws and the entire family.

Santa Claus or not......what a lovely expression of the meaning of the season by your neighbors.

[tioga]

The spirit of St. Nicholas lives on in the hearts of many. What a beautiful story.

[luckystarmom]

My 9 year old twin daughters were sick and on ventilators in the hospital during their first Christmas. One almost died on Christmas Eve, and the other on New Year's Eve. Santa didn't come to our house until they were both home from the hospital, January 25.

I think we almost go overboard on Christmas now because my husband and I remember what real presents we have, their lives.

I'll say a prayer for your brother-in-law and his family. I'm very sorry for their loss.

[netmilsmom]

Your post made me cry.

[proud American in Canada]

My brother-in-law is away on active duty. His wife, my sister-in-law, was expecting their fourth on Christmas. Instead, she went into labor last week and had a stillborn baby girl. My little niece and nephews were happily expecting their little sister. Instead, Mommy came home brokenhearted.

I'm so sorry, Jim. Words fail me, but you and your family will be in my prayers.