Photo of sad Santa the second day does not come off the front pages of news publications, and her story, perhaps one of the most sad, about which you just heard ...
Meet is the 60-year-old Eric Schmitt-Matzen from the American city of Knoxville. But the local kids know him in a completely different guise - it turns out, since Eric, six years ago, bought himself a Santa costume, all New Year's desires are thought only on his lap.
But for Santa Eric, Christmas and New Year are not always a happy period. And the outgoing year is not an exception ... Two days ago at the end of the working day he was called by a nurse from a local hospital and told about a dying 5-year-old boy who most of all wants to see Santa Claus.
Schmitt-Matzen did not hesitate for a second, but quickly changed into an image and went on an important mission. Before getting to the sick boy, Eric asked his relatives to stay in the corridor, so they did not cry. But it was impossible not to burst into tears, for the first thing that the boy asked Santa was:
"They told me that I would die. But how, will I get to where they expect me? "
And do you know what Eric will answer him?
"When you get there, say that you are now Elf number one in Santa's own hands. You will be admitted ... "
The Kid was so glad to hear these encouraging words that he sat up on the bed and even tried to embrace Santa, saying:
"Help me, Santa, help ..."
But, alas ... When the boy suddenly fell silent, Erik realized that this was the end, although for a long time he could not let it out of his embrace.
"I looked out the window, and the boy's mother began to cry," says Schmitt-Matzen, "It's all very difficult to survive. I cried all the way home ... "
It is known that Eric Schmitt-Matzen for a long time worked as a mechanical engineer, and some time ago he even headed a company that manufactures wire parts. Well, to become the most important hero in the Christmas holiday Eric pushed the date of birth.
Yes, Eric was also born on Christmas Day, which allows him to feel a full master of this image. In addition, a similar sad story in the life of Erica-Santa is not the first - he was repeatedly called to the hospitals to fulfill the last wish of sick children.
"And if they call me again, I'll go again. It will be very painful, but I will dare. I have to ... ", says Schmitt-Matzen.