Son had no idea where his mom disappeared for 3 hours every Christmas Eve — until a letter after her death stunned him
Christmas Eve is a time spent with family and kids are eager to check out presents with their parents. Little John Dorroh always looked forward to this time but was confused to see his mum, Sue Dorroh, leave for a while on Christmas Eve, per The Mix Net. John, now 63, recalled how his mum would slip away on the special day for a few hours, saying that she had “errands” to run. When it kept happening every year, the boy naturally got curious. It was only after his mum’s death and when he was an adult that he learned the truth. A wholesome letter from his mom’s coworker explained her brief absence in the most unique way.
Now-author John shared his experience in an interview, per Belleville News-Democrat. “My mother would disappear for about 3 hours on Christmas Eve day,” he recalled. When he asked his dad about her whereabouts, he’d brush it off, saying that she might have gone to pick up Christmas gifts. He knew well that his mom would finish gift shopping by the end of Thanksgiving and there had to be something more to it. It was only in 1990, when John’s mom passed away, that this mystery was revealed. The man received a letter from a person named Robert, a fellow worker with his mom.
The letter began by appreciating the late Sue and her family for their contribution to his family’s life. “Dear Johnny, I just wanted you to know how much my family and I appreciate what your mother has done for us for all of these years,” the man wrote. Then, he revealed a long-awaited detail. “Every year on Christmas Eve day, your mom comes to my house, dresses [sic] like Mrs. Claus and gives my kids a Christmas that we can’t afford to give them. She has given them shoes, shirts, jeans, toys and candy,” Robert wrote. It finally clicked and John realized that all these years, the mom had been visiting the employee during those three hours, ensuring his kids got a rich Christmas experience like every child deserves.
According to YouGov, a majority of parents and American families indulge in the practice of Christmas traditions involving Santa Claus. Around 81% of Americans agree that believing in Santa paves the way for creating memories and enhanced bonds among family members. 80% agreed that the idea of Santa creates a magical experience. The idea of putting up stockings, leaving out cookies and milk and writing letters for gifts is something cherished by many. The late Sue had been ensuring with her gesture that Robert’s family was able to keep up with this magical experience.
“I know your heart is heavy and that you are missing Miss Sue. We do, too. We loved her and just wanted you to know what she has done for us,” Robert concluded in the letter. John was moved by the wholesome closure he received. He noted that the letter was one of the best Christmas presents he received. The man wanted to share his mom’s story as an inspiration for others and submitted a story titled “Mom’s Secret Mission.” It was published later in the “Chicken Soup for the Soul: The Joy of Christmas” edition.