In September of 1997, we began the tradition of giving gifts to the children of the Lincoln Learning Center's Head Start program. We take the money that we would spend on Aaron and buy gifts for the kids. When we told our family about the idea, many wanted to take part. My Aunt Joy who lives in New Jersey has been a big supporter of this tradition and has sent toys for the kids for the past two years.

This year went really well. Shaun dressed up as Santa again. We gathered outside to prepare before entering the classroom. We hadn't noticed that there were children in the playyard but it didn't take them long to notice Santa. Before we knew it, there were several children with their faces pressed up against the fence waving at Santa. It just melted my heart.

Santa entered the classroom with a big "HO HO HO!!!". All of the kids ran over to give him a big hug. One by one, they got up on Santa's lap to talk to him and receive their gifts. There were a few familiar faces from last year. We certainly remembered sweet little April who wore a bright red Christmas dress and had the most beautiful smile. Her mom was there this year and gave us a piece of pottery to say thank you. The teacher said that the children were so excited when they found out that Santa was coming that they made him a gift. Each child had drawn a picture for him and they were all bound together with yarn to make a book. On the cover it says, "Thank you from the bottom of our hearts."

There was so much happiness in that classroom this morning. There were huge tears swelling in my eyes the entire time. I was filled with so many emotions. It almost felt as though I had spent the morning with Aaron himself.

It would be Aaron's second Christmas this year. When I try to imagine what it would be like if Aaron were here, I will think of the joy on the faces of those children and hope that it will ease the pain of not being able to see him enjoy it myself.