I waited to open my gift on Christmas Day as usual. I love having a surprise on Christmas! Inside was a mug that read “I shoot people” I mentioned I love photography and I love mugs and Santa put that together and came up with a great gift. He also sent me a long handwritten note. He is a 14 year old boy from California and his science teacher got him involved in Reddit Santa. His Mom helped by letting him use her Amazon account – so the whole family got involved in the Reddit exchange- which is super cool!

He then told me he had not handwritten a letter since he last wrote his brother. His brother died fighting in Iraq this year. He said he knew Christmas will lack the usual magic but he had been told that random acts of kindness help heal the heart- so he felt that maybe this is why he was doing this exchange.

Dylan- your letter touched our hearts in ways you probably could not have imagined. We all sat in silence and sent thoughts and prayers to you and your family. We were struggling through the holiday ourselves as we lost my Dad this year and it was not Christmas without him. My Dad was the world to me. That said- he was 86 and lived a long and happy life. Your loss is unimaginable- and I am so sorry for the pain you and your family must be going through. While a thank you is never enough- we do thank your brother for his service and sacrifice- and we thank your whole family.

I will always think of your brothers sacrifice and your family when I look at the mug which is now displayed front and center in my mug shelf. We will keep you all in our thoughts.

I wish your family peace and healing in 2017.