Was I good?

A festive holiday

In mid-December, CASA of Kent County threw a festive holiday party, bringing together court-appointed special advocates and the kids and teens they support. It was a joyous occasion filled with games, face painting, crafts, and of course, pizza. However, the highlight of the evening was the eagerly awaited visit from none other than Santa Claus himself.

Behind the scenes, our very own Gary, a seasoned CASA volunteer, stepped into the iconic role of Santa. With the classic red suit, black boots, and Santa’s signature hat, mustache and beard, Gary transformed into Santa.

Here comes Santa Claus

Before Santa made his grand entrance, CASA staff and volunteers gathered everyone together. As Santa Claus walked in, the younger children turned and gasped. A particularly eager 7-year-old boy threw up his hand and blurted out, “Was I good?”

The look on the boy’s face revealed a vulnerability obvious to everyone present. Santa, in his great wisdom, took the question to heart. Locking eyes with the boy, he reassured him with a clear and resounding voice, “Yes, you were good.”

Whose fault?

That night, I could not stop thinking about the little boy. What had he endured before coming into foster care? Does he blame himself for what happened to him? Perhaps he feels responsible for his family’s separation, or like many children who have experienced trauma, he struggles to control his emotions and often acts out.

You are good

There could be a million reasons why this boy might doubt his own goodness. I can only hope that Santa’s words reached into his heart, conveying that his experiences and circumstances are not his fault. Equally, I’m grateful that he has a dedicated CASA volunteer who sends the same crucial message: You are good.