In case you missed it, a story of epic and heart-wrenching proportions is making the rounds on news outlets and social media channels. It shows the magnitude of a simple act of love.
"I want to tell you just an incredible story from Tennessee," Glenn said Monday on radio.
The story involves Eric Schmitt-Matzen, a 6-foot, 310-pound gent that looks every bit the real Santa Claus --- and a terminally ill boy who died in his arms.
Schmitt-Matzen, who plays Santa over 80 times each year and was born on Saint Nicholas Day, received a call several weeks ago from a nurse at the local hospital about a very sick 5-year-old who wanted to see Santa.
"He said, Great. I will be right there. Let me change into my outfit. And she said, Don't. There's not enough time. Your red suspenders that you always wear will be enough. Come right away," Glenn described.
Within 15 minutes, he was at the hospital and met the boy's family. After learning the boy was very close to death, he entered the room with a small present from Santa and the elves.
"He came in and he sat down on the end of the kid's bed . . . whose eyes opened up wide. He said, So what is it I'm hearing about you missing Christmas this year? You can't miss Christmas. You're my number one elf," Glenn said.
The little boy tried to sit up in bed, and said, I am? He also asked a very poignant question: They say I'm going to die. How am I going to know when I get to where I'm going? How am I going to know that I'm there?
"This amazing man sat there . . . I can't imagine . . . how would you answer that?" Glenn asked. "He sat there at the edge of the bed, and said, Will you do me a big favor? When you get there, you just tell them that Santa said you're my number one elf, and they will let you in.
Moments later, the little boy died in Santa's arms.
"This man is a former Army ranger and said that he got out of the room as fast as he could, let the family have their privacy. And he had a hard time driving home through the tears," Glenn said.
On Facebook this morning, Glenn posted this message:
This is what love looks like. I don't know if I could have ever put the red suit on again. Only a Santa that was a ranger. Blessings to all.
And may God bless his new number one elf in heaven.
Featured Image: Eric Schmitt-Matzen, AKA Santa Claus