Help Us Give Santa the Farewell He Deserves

My grandfather, lovingly known as "Santa," has always embodied generosity and warmth, ready to give anyone the shirt off his back. He earned his nickname because he looks just like Santa Claus, and he brings joy to others, often greeted by cheerful little voices "Hi, Santa!" while running errands or at the grocery store. His selfless spirit led him to play Santa Claus at Lackland and Fort Sam, as well as at private and family parties. He believed that true wealth comes from family, finding happiness in what truly matters.

As a grandparent, he filled our lives with wonder, sharing his passion for Star Wars, Godzilla, Star Trek, and other beloved sci-fi stories. When my mother had my baby sister, he selflessly retired from his job at Walmart to care for her while my mother worked. Tragically, after a courageous battle with breast cancer, my mother passed away, leaving a profound impact on my grandfather. This is when his dementia started to show little by little.

Despite facing memory challenges and the onset of dementia, he showed resilience and courage. But as all his grandchildren started to leave the house, he started to feel the effects of an empty nest. Feeling lonely, he allowed his best friend to move in , though it brought unforeseen difficulties. For months, his best friend and the friend's girlfriend stole thousands of dollars and covered it up as "care taking" for him. We also trusted the friend to keep us updated on our grandfather in case signs of dementia got worse. When the truth about his friend's betrayal emerged, we took action to protect him. Sadly, it was too late. Not only did he not get his money back, but at this point he could no longer keep up with personal hygiene or his daily needs.

After enduring two heart attacks and a stroke, his health required him to move to a personal care home, where he receives the care and nourishment he needs. Now on hospice, we face the difficult task of planning for the inevitable future, his funeral. Through it all, we remain determined to honor his legacy of love and kindness, even as we navigate financial challenges. His story reminds us of the strength of family bonds and the importance of compassion in our lives.

My grandfather is unexpectedly facing the end of his life. Unfortunately, he does not have life insurance to cover the costs of cremation or a memorial service. Since he is retired army, the military will reimburse a portion of these expenses, however we are unable to pay for them upfront. His children are disabled, and his grandchildren have young children, making it difficult for them to offer financial assistance. If you could find it in your heart to donate, we would be incredibly grateful. Thank you from the depths of our hearts—any amount helps.