Finally, the letter revealed the truth. “Every year on Christmas Eve day, your mom comes to my house dressed [sic] like Mrs. Claus and gives my kids a Christmas that we can’t afford to give them. She has given them shoes, shirts, jeans, toys, and candy.”
John couldn’t believe it.
The letter revealed that John’s mother would meet with Robert’s family every Christmas eve to give gifts to his family.
Although he already knew it, it confirmed what he already knew that his mother had a big heart.
Robert was also grieving after the death of John’s mother.
“I know your heart is heavy and that you are missing Miss Sue. We do, too. We loved her and just wanted you to know what she has done for us. Love, Robert and Nellie, and the kids.”
Of course, it’s not easy to say goodbye to someone who went out of their way to help your family during such a crucial time.
Still, it didn’t explain why Sue couldn’t just tell her family what she was doing.
But perhaps Sue didn’t need the recognition. She was such a kind person that she never wanted praise for her actions.
She felt joy in the act of helping others in need.
What Sue did was truly embody the spirit of Christmas. She brought the joy of the holidays to a family that needed it without asking for anything in exchange.
She was selfless and wanted to spread that cheer in whatever way she could.
Sue could have easily donated to a charity.
Instead, she dressed up as Santa and made Christmas something that Robert’s children could always look forward to every year.
John’s mother expected nothing in return and wanted to see Robert’s family enjoy the Christmas season.
Although it was a surprising discovery, he’s grateful to have had such a caring mother.
The story of John’s mother and her secret act of giving shows us that despite the busyness of everyday life, it can take just a few hours to show you care.
Sue’s story shares the true joy of giving.
After finding out about his mother’s whereabouts on Christmas eve all those years ago, John burst into tears.
Hearing that his mother had such an impact on others’ lives inspired him to share the story.
As a professional writer, John wrote a short story about his mom called “Mom’s Secret Mission.”
He submitted the story to Chicken Soup for the Soul to be considered for publication.
It took a while, but finally, John received good news.
Amy Newmark, the editor-in-chief of the publishing house, loved the story so much that she included the short story in Chicken Soup for the Soul: The Joy of Christmas in 2016.
John says he felt humbled that Chicken Soup for the Soul included his story in the 2016 Christmas edition of the famous book series.
But her story of giving has since inspired readers around the world.
John has since become a teacher and writer in his hometown of Highland, Illinois.
He’s proud that his mother’s story has inspired others to show the spirit of giving to those in need.
While no one knows for sure if Sue also helped other families, it’s clear that her memory will live on thanks to the book.
John knows that her memory will grow to become a worldwide inspiration.
John is a science teacher and writer in Highland who has taught for over 30 years, sharing the gift of knowledge with young people.
He also is a master short story writer, and his work has appeared in numerous online reviews and publications.
He also has published a few books, including How to Write to Learn Science, a book that teaches students about science using writing methodology combining this love of science with his love of writing.
