Christmas is a time of year that reminds us to be grateful for all that we have in life, particularly family.
In many families, parents take their children or grandchildren to the mall each year to sit on Santa's lap, like this dad whose tired little boy took a nap with Santa. But sadly, for parents who have lost a child, the holidays can be a particularly difficult time.
Caleb Ryan Sigmon plays the role of Santa Claus at a mall in Georgia. And while he typically has the pleasure of bringing joy to children and their parents every holiday season, this year was quite a bit different.
This year, Caleb was working as usual when Kyle Daniel approached. Unlike all of the other mall parents, Kyle didn't have a child with him.
Instead, he was holding a small photograph in his hands. What happened next was so touching that it truly brought tears to my eyes…
Scroll through below to read this heartbreaking, yet moving story in Caleb's own words. Then keep scrolling to read Kyle's beautiful response.
Caleb Ryan Sigmon posted this touching story on his Facebook wall under the heading "Stories From the Big Chair":
"A man walked in today holding something in his arms. 'I have a request,' he said, turning around this picture frame. He took a moment.
'My son passed away, last year.'
He choked up and couldn't finish his sentence. The entire photo set was silent.
I said, 'Absolutely.'"
"Without anyone saying anything, he handed me the frame and I placed it on my knee. In the photo, I could see on the little boy's armband that his first name was Hayden.
I didn't ask any questions, but I am guessing that this is his first photo with Santa.
The camera snap was the only sound I could hear through the entire mall. Normally, I hear all kinds of music and sounds, but it was absolutely silent.
After a handful of clicks, we walked over to the screen and he pointed, saying, 'That's the one.'"
"The girl working the computer printed him a full photo package and he pulled out his wallet, saying that this was going to be his gift to his wife.
We gave him the printed package, telling him that it was a gift and that we would be praying for his family, this Christmas.
He grabbed my hand and pulled me in and hugged me, then turned around and left. As he walked out, we all had tears in [our] eyes.
I'm sharing this to remind us all that Christmastime is unbelievably hard for some families. Pray for the brokenhearted. Smile at people. Just be kind. Love one another."
Since being posted, this photo – along with Caleb's story – has gone absolutely viral.
Little Hayden passed away in 2014 at the age of six months from a condition known as Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome.
Hayden's parents, Kyle and Sasha, have a Facebook page called Hayden Daniel's Hope that is dedicated to keeping his memory alive.
After Caleb posted the story about his experience with Hayden's father, Kyle posted his own heartfelt response:
"We are so amazed at how far this story has gone. I never thought that wanting to have a picture of our son taken with Santa would have become this."
"All we want is for you all to do something nice like Caleb did for us. Just be there for a random stranger this holiday.
You don't have to do anything big, sometimes all it takes is a smile and a hello.
We are coming up on Hayden being gone for a year. This year has had some highs and some very lows. Through everything Sasha and I have stayed strong for one another."
"So this Christmas as you're with your family, remember those who have lost loved ones, remember those who are not able to be with their families, remember those who have no family.
Thank you all for being a part of Hayden's journey and I hope you all look forward to seeing [his] rainbow in the future."
This beautifully touching story is a wonderful reminder to keep love, compassion, and kindness in our hearts at the holiday season.
To learn more about Hayden's story and his condition, visit the Hayden Daniel's Hope Facebook page here.
Please SHARE this incredible Christmas story with friends and family!
