Santa came early this year for the young girls and boys at Children’s National hospital in Washington.
Patients were surprised to see Barack Obama dressed in a fluffy red Santa cap strolling through the hospital halls.
But they were even more excited to see what he was carrying over his shoulder - a sack full of presents!
Obama pays surprise visit to patients at hospital, give gifts and shares humbling message https://t.co/IHt0VxbAFi #LifeStyle #News #barackobama #christmas pic.twitter.com/uXNU5BnrtK
— KemiFilaniBlog (@Kemifilaniblog) December 20, 2018
Obama brought some much needed Christmas cheer to the hospital in light of the upcoming holidays.
He spent time visiting patients - chatting away, handing out gifts, and even passing on words of wisdom to teens before they start high school.
“I know they will be talking about it for years to come,” Kurt Newman, chief executive and president of Children’s National Health System told The Washington Post.
“At such a busy time of year, when no one wants to be in the hospital, his natural warmth lifted the spirits of those kids, their parents and of each staff member he met along the way.”
And as the former U.S. president headed for the door, he was greeted by a grateful crowd.
He conducted them in a tune of We Wish You a Merry Christmas and went on to give heartfelt words of encouragement to everyone present.
Thank you @BarackObama for making our patients’ day so much brighter. Your surprise warmed our hallways and put smiles on everyone’s faces! Our patients loved your company…and your gifts! https://t.co/bswxSrA4sQ #HolidaysAtChildrens #ObamaAndKids pic.twitter.com/qii53UbSRS
— Children's National (@childrenshealth) December 19, 2018
“I just want to say thank you to all of you guys, we had a chance to talk to some of the wonderful kids and their families,” he said.
“At a time that obviously is tough for folks, as a dad of two girls, you know, I can only imagine.
“In that situation, to have nurses and staff and doctors and people who are caring for them, and looking after them, and listening to them and just there for them, and holding their hand…
“That’s the most important thing there is.”
Merry Christmas and happy holidays to the extraordinary kids, families, and staff at Children’s National. And thanks for humoring me as your stand-in Santa. https://t.co/mFmYCVk7cr
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) December 19, 2018
Obama certainly made the children’s day as well as the hospital's medical staff.
He reminded us what the holidays are all about and lifted the spirits of many families going through a difficult time.
