MILWAUKEE — Kelly Fisher, 7, was born with an inherited retinal disease that leaves her completely blind, and December is her favorite month. The smell of candles and fresh-baked cookies fills her house. The texture of the tree and the crinkling of wrapping paper signal to her that this is a very special time of year.
Last weekend she heard sleigh bells outside and a hearty knock at the door. “HO! HO! HO!” the visitor proclaimed. And this year she noticed something that she hadn’t in the past: Santa sounds just like her uncle Brad.
“It’s Uncle Brad! Uncle Brad is here!” shrieked Fisher as the door opened and the visitor in a big red suit yelled, “MERRY CHRISTMAS!”
Fisher’s older sister corrected her, saying that the visitor wasn’t their uncle but someone even better. It was Santa Claus.
“But it sounds just like him!” yelled Fisher as she bounced on the couch. “And if he is my uncle that means … I’m related to Santa Claus!”
Her parents exchanged a quick glance and then knelt beside her and told her the truth: Santa Claus was absolutely a member of the family. “But,” her dad added, “we need to keep it a secret. It’s a big family secret, and you’re finally old enough to know.”
“I can’t believe Santa Claus is my uncle! Now I know I’ll get all the presents I want this year!” Fisher yelled as her parents reluctantly agreed.
Uncle Brad could not be reached for comment.