Rachel’s act of kindness sparked a ripple effect of generosity!
When Sheena Page’s two young daughters tied their Christmas lists to helium balloons and released them so they’d get to Santa extra fast, the single mom’s heart ached, knowing she couldn’t afford all they’d asked for. Little did she know that miracles wer
O her Ké with Ani two excitement and young n Sheena Lafayette, Thanksgiving 10-year-old daughters. Page as Louisiana, they stood prepared Sha’nya night Six-year-old outside home in bubbled 2016, to her release with two Christmas ribbons. balloons The lists into balloons to the Santa sky were tied with leftover to their them from with an Christmas aunt’s birthday themed—ké party and Ani’s not was exactly a pink princess balloon. But all the girls cared about was that their lists would reach Santa faster than if they had sent them by mail. Mentally reviewing their lists, Sheena felt a tug of worry on her heart. Ké Ani had asked for a tablet, light-up shoes and a turtle. Sheena knew a tablet was pricey, and being a single mom and even working extra overtime at the Dollar Tree, she couldn’t afford the items her daughters wished for. into off thought Christmas thought, in seemed But I truth, with wish the as hopelessly night wonder, of I Sheena’s the as could morning. seeing the girls sky balloons somehow Sheena released own them and out of watched Christmas disappointed disappeared. couldn’t reach. find the a balloons them way, bear wish she sail on But the A Four ston, son, very Lane, Indiana, days later excitedly special Rachel and 800 called Goffinet’s discovery miles her away to 3-year-old the in living Evanroom her “Look! father window scanned Dog!” at her he the cried, parents’ field as in Rachel house. front of and the house. distance, Something and after lay going on the out ground to investigate, in the Rachel’s dad and son returned smiling. “It’s a princess balloon with a note tied to it,” her father said, handing it to Rachel. But as she read the note, she knew it was so much more. It was a little girl’s Christmas list, and seeing the return address, her amazement grew. Not only at how far the balloon had traveled but that it had landed in that spot— only 10 miles shy of a town called Santa Claus. In that moment, Rachel knew this holiday would be like no other, as she beamed, “I want to play Santa for this little girl!” Wishes do come true With the help of their local news station, Rachel was put in touch with the principal of Ké Ani’s school, who then called Sheena. “Yes, Ké Ani sent up a balloon with her Christmas list. Both my girls did,” Sheena
gasped in shock, as the principal told her someone and so far had away. actually And Sheena’s found the heart balloon… soared when she was told that the woman who’d found it also wanted to send Ké Ani everything on her Christmas list. Rachel was thrilled that Sheena was okay with her playing Santa and, learning that Ké Anis sister Sha’nya had also let a balloon go, Rachel insisted on fulfilling her list as well. With the help of her family, Rachel bought everything on both girls’ lists, festively wrapping each item. And before shipping them off, she tucked a note inside the box. I received your Princess balloon…your sister let a balloon go which did not make it, but we wanted her to get a package. Santa Claus. Seeing her daughters’ big smiles on Christmas morning, gratitude and awe filled Sheena’s heart: Her own Christmas wish had come true after all. But the miracles didn’t end there. Somehow, the story about the Christmas
“It just goes to show we must always have faith. Miracles happen!” says Rachel
balloon went viral, touching hearts around the Marbury up sneakers world. sent Former from both his NBA girls own autographed All-star shoe line. Stephon Ké light- Ani was also crowned princess for a day at a Pelicans basketball game in New Orleans, where her whole family was gifted a trip to Universal Studios, hosted by rapper Master P. And after the trip, he sent them all home with a plane-load of presents. But while Rachel is happy she sparked such an outpouring of generosity, when she thinks back to that Christmas, it’s knowing she helped two little girls believe that Santa is real and wishes can come true that fills her with joy. “I will always wonder how that balloon made it as far as it did with the note still intact,” Rachel smiles. “It just goes to show we must always have faith. Miracles happen!” Sheena echoes her sentiment. “It seemed God’s will for Rachel to find that balloon,” Sheena beams. “She’ll always be our Christmas angel and have a special place in my heart forever!” —Diane Nichols