Santa halts photo shoot to pray when shy boy wishes for new kidney for Christmas

Given the importance of Christmas to little children, there can be no understating the influence Santa Claus can have.

It’s why hospitals often bring in a Santa to visit children at Christmas time, and why almost all shopping malls have a Santa present to listen to wishes.

Even so, when Julie Kay Ryff took her son Levi to see Santa at a Bass Pro Shops in Olathe, Kansas, she couldn’t have foreseen how beautiful a trip it would turn into.

Kids meet Santa

Levi was one of three kids who hopped up on Santa’s lap to pose for a cute photo. When they got off, Santa proceeded to ask them what they wanted.

Levi was shy and unwilling to talk, so his mom answered for him. “He doesn’t talk much,” she said, “but he’s on the kidney transplant list, so he would like a new kidney for Christmas.”

Needless to say, Santa was taken back by the request. He knew he had to do something, anything to show his support for Levi. So he did.

Santa took Levi and placed him back on his lap. Then he threw his arm around the boy and started to pray.

“He hugged Levi and set him down,” Julie recalled. “He looked me in the eye and squeezed my hand.”

Julie continued: “It never ceases to amaze me how God puts people in your path to bless and encourage you when you need it most, and usually it comes in the most unexpected places and ways. I’m thankful for this sweet man tonight.”

Way to go Santa! What a beautiful gesture. I’m sure Levi won’t forget it.

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