Santa Walt Queen

I met Walt about 8 years ago when he volunteered to make an appearance for the non-profit org I helped to run. Our original Santa we had booked had a conflict and introduced me to his friend Walt who was able to come instead!  I may not have ever had Walt become a part of my life had it not been for that day!  Looking back even that far, I can see how God had a plan. He knew Walt needed to be a part of my life!  And so, our friendship truly began.  

I then heard that he was battling a medical issue  that was keeping him out of work for a little while and I started to reach out to any contact I knew from the media and from area restaurants to raise funds and help him out. He asked me after that to become his business manager. He and I both wanted to work to get the word spread throughout the community of what he had to offer as a Santa!  We would meet up for coffee and come up with all sorts of ideas on how to do fundraisers or what sort of event we could offer next that would be new and different.  He deemed me his “Head Elf” and I giggle every time I come across someone now who says “Oh, I know you, you are Elf Whitney”. Walt gave me a new nickname and didn’t even realize it. 

What most people don’t realize if they haven’t met Walt is that he didn’t just put on a suit and smile for the camera. Walt embodied every single thing one thinks about when they think of Christmas and the spirit of Santa. He was pure magic. He was joyful. He was giving. If we booked him for an hour, he would likely stay for 90 mins just because he wanted to. He was sociable and kind. He would lend an ear to anyone who needed to talk about any of the positive or negative aspects of things going on in their lives. Many didn’t even know when they would see how wonderfully happy he was, that he himself had been through trials and tribulations that were unimaginable to most parents out there. Walt was able to turn his grief and sorrow from the loss of his two daughters into forgiveness and love. And he taught that to everyone.   

When I personally went through an extremely rough and difficult time in my own life a few years ago, Walt was always there to listen and give advice. We would talk about having faith in God and what his plans are for us while we are on this earth. Sometimes when you are in the midst of heartbreak it is hard to envision that something good can come from it, but he always reassured me.

I was so proud to have him as a Grandfather figure in my life because I never had grandparents growing up. And I was so excited to introduce him to the man who would become my husband!  Walt and his wife became prayer warriors for me and for my future husband, wanting to see nothing but the best for us!  When it came time to choose an officiant for our wedding, we knew in our hearts there was no one else to ask!  He guided both Nick and I in exploring our true feelings and putting them to paper in our vows to each other. On my wedding day he was one of the first people who wanted to sneak in to get a preview of me in my gown, and he put glitter in his beard so it was shiny for our special occasion!  

The last few months our relationship changed and became even deeper as he and I realized we needed to make the most of this time. We quietly knew there may not be anymore Christmas activities to plan but we discussed his love for Christ and his peace at knowing he would once again be with his daughters. Conversations shifted into tough ones about plans and taking care of things and doctors appts. I was happy to be there for him when I could. I was so incredibly grateful that he considered me family!   

I was happy to give him a hand to hold at his doctors appt, I was happy to sit at his dinner table and update his followers, I was happy to be the voice he needed at times. I was happy because I was gaining so much in return. I was learning how to make sure to always say “I love you” when it matters the most and when he may not have been listening at all because he was asleep. I was happy because I was praying with him out loud. I was happy because I could tell him it was ok to have a bad day and then he would still brighten his face up and give me a “Ho, Ho, Ho”.  

I was so happy to have visited him in the hospital a few nights ago and to hear him say all he wanted was a hug. He was comforted in one of the only things that I could offer at that point.  And I told him I loved him before I left!    

Wednesday I was messaging people to let them know of his passing and my BIL pointed out that the text I sent him came through at 11:11. Both Walt's birthday and my BIL's birthday are on 11/11. I think maybe Walt was sending me a sign that he is already watching over us!  

I will always be moved by the impact Walt had on my life and I will cherish every Christmas season even more now, with fond memories of what we shared. I know that the heartbreak I am feeling comes from the enormous amount of love I have in my heart for him. Walt will forever be remembered in the hearts and minds of everyone who was touched by him!