Santa And The Dolphins

Santa At The Beach

What are the odds of meeting jolly Santa at the beach? I would say, rare and unlikely unless there’s a scheduled date that he’s coming to town. But destiny at times brings you a  merry surprise.

2 weeks ago, while strolling by the beach my son and I saw a familiar figure in red. He had a white beard and a huge, generous smile. It was Santa. It felt like an early Christmas in November. He waved at us as we hurried our way to where he was standing. Several women were laughing and giggling as they had their picture taken with sun tanned Santa.

My son was eyeing for the gifts that were on and around a red chair where Santa was sitting. Yes, there was a red cushioned chair by the beach as well. Strange but who cares, it was Santa with his presents and he’s bringing us an early Christmas cheer.

I asked my son to stay close to Santa so I can take their picture together. My son looking  shy decided to cling around my leg. Finally, I was able to convince him to pose with Santa by whispering, ” You can give him your Christmas wish list afterwards.” Santa tried to make him at ease by saying, “Ho, ho, ho. Merry Christmas, ” as he placed gently his hands around my son’s shoulder. My son smiled sweetly as I clicked the camera.

As we said goodbye to Santa, I asked my son,” what did you ask Santa? ” He answered excitedly, ” Toys, lots of toys! ” I proceeded to ask him more questions, ” and what else? ” My son added, ” Um, stuff for mom and dad. ” I asked further, ” and? ” He replied quickly, ” and visit a fun place dad. “

I told myself, ” Those wishes seem easy and achievable. I can do this. Santa will bring my son the 3 wishes he asked for.”

You might be asking, “who’s Santa?” Nope! He’s not the one from North Pole. Santa is the guy who goes to work each night , gives his son a kiss before he leaves, then go home the next day, early enough to bring his adorable angel to school. He’s the guy who secretly writes his son’s wishes in his heart and thoughts to make sure that they will come true. Does he wear a red suit? Nope! He wears scrubs of his choice. Does he have a sleigh with flying reindeers? Nope! He has a SUV that can carry lots and lots of toys.

One Wish List Granted: Fun At The Dolphin Cove

One of the happiest memories that me and my son had was our visit to the Dolphin Cove at Sea World during last year’s Thanksgiving. After that, we vowed to visit the fun place and relive its magic.

A week after we met Santa, one of my son’s Christmas wish came true. We both get to go back to the one place where time seems to freeze as we play with the gentle and friendly dolphins of the cove.

We lined up to buy dolphin food which were fresh little fishes. We initially got 2 small boxes but seeing how happy my son was, my wife bought 4 more boxes.

My son’s laughter of joy filled the air as he touched and feed the dolphins. I had to hold his legs to make sure he doesn’t fall into the water particularly that the platform he was on was wet and slippery.

A bottle nose dolphin was showing us his jumping skills. He was amazing. My son kept saying, ” Oh, my Gosh, dad! Oh, my gosh!” It was a beautiful and unforgettable moment for all of us.

Another dolphin didn’t want to be outdone. It also made a high jump then flipped back. We were held breathless as it splashed back into the blue waters. The dolphins were in a playful mood that morning and we were so lucky to have witnessed it all.

Two charming dolphins went toward us, letting us pet their smooth, rubber-like head and mouth. I swear they sounded like they were laughing with glee and excitement as we fed them. One of them was smiling irresistibly. I was tempted to dive in just like the little boy in the movie, “Flipper.” I bet my son was thinking the same thing because he kept moving towards the edge of the platform.

Just before we were told to exit, a dolphin swam to the shallow edge as if saying goodbye. He allowed us to stroke his sides and back. It was a magical moment happening all over again. I can’t believe that it can happen twice and way better than the first.

We went to our hotel wet and smelling like fish. My son and I didn’t really care. We were so happy that we can’t wipe off the constant smile on our faces. At that point, I had a glimpse of how I was as a boy when I’m at my happiest moment. I can’t help but feel gratitude in my heart that I had the chance to relive and remember my childhood. A childhood that I thought I long forgotten.

It’s the month of December, a time of treasured and joyous events. A time where families gather and give gifts that express their love and generosity. It’s a time to hope, dream, make new beginnings and to believe that good things can happen.

Wishing everyone the best of the holiday’s merriment. May this Christmas brings you and your family happy and timeless memories. May it bring forth healing and forgiveness that would mend a broken heart and relationships.

What is your Christmas wish list. If you are given a chance to relive a happy childhood memory, what would it be?