Heartbroken Santa Remembers a 5-Year-Old Passing Away in His Arms as He Makes One Last Wish

Christmas is a time of joy and generosity, when people eagerly exchange gifts and gather together with their loved ones to celebrate this special occasion. But there was a heartbreaking tale that unfolded when a Santa Claus from the community made a boy’s last wish come true.

In December 2016, BBC News published a report about Eric Schmitt-Matzen, a mechanical engineer and the president and owner of Packing Seals & Engineering in Jacksboro. Every year, he puts on the iconic Christmas costume that everyone loves. Regrettably, he was taken aback by a surprising phone call one day, requesting his assistance as Santa in a unique situation.

In a moment of urgency, he wasted no time in making his way to a hospital in Tennessee. The reason for his haste? A young boy, just five years old, who was battling an undisclosed medical condition, had expressed a heartfelt desire to meet him.

Schmitt-Matzen advised his family members to remain outside the room if they anticipated being emotional or crying throughout his visit. He explained that he wanted to be the source of happiness for the young boy, ensuring that he would smile and momentarily forget his problems.

“No kidding, please step out of the room… In a heartfelt interview with WCBD News 2 back in December 2016, he fondly remembered the moment when he said to the family, “Afterwards, I’ll sit out there and I’ll cry with you.”

As soon as he arrived, he presented the young man with a special surprise – a toy from the popular animated series “Paw Patrol” that had been lovingly purchased by the kid’s mom. With great care and tenderness, Schmitt-Matzen assisted him in unwrapping the gift.

With great anticipation, he revealed to the young boy that he had actually prepared the coveted toy as a surprise long before. The boy’s longing for the toy had not gone unnoticed, and now the moment had finally arrived to present him with the long-awaited gift.

He remembered how the young boy’s main worry was not about dying, but about missing out on the Christmas festivities. It’s a reminder of how innocent children can be, often not fully grasping the concept of death.

In a heartwarming encounter, Schmitt-Matzen, dressed as Santa Claus, had a meaningful conversation with a young boy. The boy was curious about what happens after death, and Schmitt-Matzen shared a touching response. He advised the boy to mention that he is “Santa’s number one elf” when he reaches the pearly gates. This heartwarming story was reported by NBC News.

Once their conversation concluded, the little child sat upright, hugged him warmly, and asked, “Santa, could you give me a hand?” Regrettably, in that very moment, the young boy took his last breath in his embrace.

“When I felt the life go from him, I looked up, tears running down my face, and looked over at the window and that’s when (his) mom started screaming,” he recalled.

Immediately following the encounter, he quickly left the hospital.

During my time in the Army, specifically with the 75th Rangers, I had the opportunity to witness and experience a variety of challenging situations. But I ran by the nurses’ station bawling my head off,” he recalled.

He couldn’t shake the overwhelming emotions that consumed him, reaching a breaking point where thoughts of retiring from his role as Santa Claus began to surface. However, it dawned on him that he had to take action in order to bring joy to the children.

Seeing the joyous laughter of those children instantly transported me back to a familiar place. It has brought to my attention the important role that I must fulfill… “For them and for me,” he said.

In an interview with BBC News, he expressed his willingness to take on the task if someone were to reach out. Despite the pain, I am determined to push through.