Sunday Morning,sometime in the 90's,I don't remember the exact date. The family was gathered to attend church. It was going to be an extremely busy day,packed with Christmas events. First Church,then Christmas dinner at my mothers house. At 3:00 that afternoon,a company Christmas party,of my dads,then getting together with more family around 6. The day was booked full. I was at my parents house with my mom,dad,brother and sister- in- law and their 4 Children. We were about to leave for Church,when the phone rang. It was a man calling from the buffalo farm. The Tilman buffalo farm is a farm,that raises buffalo,just outside Lima,Oh. We didnt know it until that day,but they sponser a Christmas Party,for young Children that are in either foster care or protective services. Santa Claus comes to thier party every year and delivers toys to the Children. This year Santa Claus has gottn sick!and they are looking for a replacement.Someone gave them my dads phone number because he had been playing santa at quite a few gigs,for the past couple of years. He had been the town Santa for 2 years,rode the fire engine in the local Christmas Parade,and set up to be Santa in the town square.Mom would be Misses Claus when they were in the square. Mom Said to dad that morning."you can't take another santa gig,!WE dont have enough time! Mom was very upset,practically in tears because she was afraid dad was going to take this gig! The guy on the phone had a couple more numbers to call,so dad said try and call the other people and if you can't get anyone call him back. Just as we were about to leave out the door for church. The man called back. He was begging dad to be Santa!He said it would only be for 1 hour,around 1 oclock,just long enough for santa to ride up to the barn on the sleigh,he was hitching up and deliver the bag or presents! Dad took the gig,and my mother was still upset! Family was also calling that morning about various Christmas things!.Finally they reached a comprimise. Dad and my brother would go to the buffalo farm for the santa gig!Dad told mom ,the guy on the phone was practically in tears,asking him to come! My brother would be santas helper,at 6'2 he is to tall to be an elf. They would meet the rest of the family at the 3:00p.m. party,when they got done at the buffalo farm. Everything worked out for the best that day and Im glad it did. They got to the 3:00p.m. party a few minutes late,but all worked out and all the Children were happy! My dad and brother told us all about how neat the buffalo farm was. When you first enter the place there are buffalo,also known as the north american bison standing in the field. Mr and Mrs Claus. Mr and Mrs Claus with my niece. The Santa that saved the day!

Merry Christmas! Reneti