My Dad Helps Santa Claus!

My Dad helped Santa Claus and delighted my sister and later she passed on the favor. Helping others was part of my Dad’s (Roy Longwell) life like the snowy day that he helped Santa Claus. He was always bringing home stray dogs or finding other ways to help. On the way home from Mass at St. Adalbert’s on Christmas morning, the whole family saw a dejected Santa on the side of the road with a flat tire. We were almost home and Santa was by the side of the road near the intersection of Walker and Leonard streets. After helping Santa, Roy graciously invited him to swing by our nearby house where his youngest daughter Lori was home sick. What a surprise for her when Santa came in the door! Lori was able to return the favor many years later in Cancun, Mexico. We were there for her marriage to Tom Peterson. My son Thomas was the ring bearer. We were in our hotel room while some of the wedding party were still enjoying various festivities. There was a knock on the door and instead of Santa, Thomas was greeted by Slyvester the Cat. Thomas’ favorite stuffed animal at that age was Slyvester. Needless to say, Thomas was surprised and delighted!