Many friends and family members know that for a number of years I have been hard of hearing. The hearing loss was gradual leading to the need of a hearing aid in my left ear first and then when I almost totally lost my hearing in my right ear, I got an aid for it too. However, even with these devices I had trouble hearing in most situations, especially when I was visiting with children. Of course it is important for me to understand what children are saying to me as Santa Claus, and there have been many embarrassing moments and some humorous when I misunderstood what they wanted me to bring them for "Christ"mas.
Recently I have been consulting with a physician about having a cochlear implant inserted to assist my hearing. After many tests by audiologists and the physician, I have decided to follow through and have this procedure. Like any surgery that requires sedation and healing, I'm nervous about having this operation, which will occur this Wednesday, but the most important underlying reason for my decision is so I can hear every word my little friends are saying to me as well as my family members.
For that reason, I would greatly appreciate your prayers for this procedure and the resulting healing process that will be taking place as I enter the "Christ"mas season this year. Hopefully, if all goes as planned, I should actually be able to use the device a few days before "Christ"mas and I can't think of a better gift to give myself or my loved ones than to be able to hear and understand what they are saying to me.
As I have prayed over this decision the song "Do You Hear What I Hear" has been brought to my memory:
Said the little lamb to the shepherd boy
Do you hear what I hear
Ringing through the sky, shepherd boy,
Do you hear what I hear
A song, a song, high above the trees
With a voice as big as the sea
With a voice as big as the sea
36 Comments
Oct 23, 2019, 4:00:58 PM
Angela Roberts - Hello Santa Cliff. Will you be doing any public events around town this year? I would love for my 6 year old daughter to meet you. She was recently diagnosed with sever hearing loss and now is wearing aids.
Thank you
Nov 14, 2016, 10:20:20 AM
Mary Stunder-Hines - Congratulations and best of luck. I know it will be your "miracle" So did miss you at the MB Dickens show this weekend. Be well,,,,, Merry Christmas
Nov 11, 2016, 2:44:18 PM
Robert Snider - Thanks Neal,
I will know right before Christmas how it works. This was my Christmas present to myself so I can hear the children's wishes better.
I hope you and your family are well and that you have a wonderful Thanksgiving and Christmas.
By the way, Janie and I will be exhibiting at the Christmas Carousel in Raleigh the weekend after Thanksgiving and I will be doing photos with Santa there. You ought to come by and see your cousin at work!
Blessings,
Santa Cliff
Oct 19, 2016, 11:25:07 PM
Neal Hunt - Cousin Cliff, hope the procedure is successful and will be praying to that end.
Oct 19, 2016, 9:31:42 PM
Christina and Sabrina - Praying for you Santa Cliff,so happy for you and wishing you a speedy recovery.
Oct 19, 2016, 3:49:10 PM
Claudia Riley - Blessings and prayers to you Santa Cliff. Wishing you a speedy recovery!
Oct 19, 2016, 10:47:09 AM
Dan Reany - Dear Cliff,
For you, Christmas comes early this year!! You will receive the gift of hearing, just in time for the holiday rush. And your ears will be opened to a lush world of sound that you had almost forgotten. The flutter of birds' wings, the sound of a child's laughter, the babbling of a country brook.
I pray your recovery is swift, and your joy immediate.
Be blessed,
Dan
Oct 19, 2016, 9:42:37 AM
Santa Bo Turner - God has been healing you for many years. He will continue to watch over you during this too.
Look forward to "hearing" of your recovery.
Your friend,
Bo Turner
Oct 19, 2016, 9:32:23 AM
Bill Bryant - Good luck on your surgery. I have the ringing in my ears and they can't do anything about it.
I know you will be so happy when you are able to hear the whispers again.
Oct 19, 2016, 12:50:18 AM
Brenda Gilbert - Cliff, Gray and I will keep you in our prayers. You are such a blessing to so many people; I'm confident that you will be blessed with the ability to hear. You are an inspiration.
Fondly,
Brenda
Oct 19, 2016, 12:25:51 AM
Carol Keefer - Prayers for healing hands!
Oct 18, 2016, 11:31:19 PM
Wendy Haymore Shields - Keeping you in our thoughts and prayers. We love you and are praying for a speedy recovery.
Love,
Haymore Garden Center
Oct 18, 2016, 11:08:16 PM
Wayne & Judy Marshall - Cliff, God has this...He brought you to this and He will get you through it...Keeping you and Janie in our prayers...Blessings!
Oct 18, 2016, 10:49:10 PM
Julia Doss - Sending up prayers for a very very special Santa and for the doctors and everyone involved during this procedure for a successful sergery. Also, for Santa's family.
Oct 18, 2016, 10:46:10 PM
Kathy Michael - Prayers for the Doctors and Nurse that will take care of our favorite Santa! The elves need you so much! May the Great Physician keep you safe. Prayers for total healing in Christ name Amen!
Oct 18, 2016, 10:43:46 PM
Glenn Johnson - Cliff, I've worn in the ear hearing aids in both ears for 14 or so years. Yes, even with the aids I often second guess what it was I just heard. May God she'd his grace on you and your physicians as you go through this surgery. Here's hoping the results are everything you are hoping for and more.
Oct 18, 2016, 10:04:49 PM
Margie Wolczak - Cliff,
Wayne and I will be praying for you to have a successful operation,and be able to enjoy hearing all of those children's Christmas wishes as well as having better communication with your family and friends so you are not left out , not hearing those who love you and you love. Praying for Gods hands on your medical team and for a full and quick recovery.
Oct 18, 2016, 9:50:19 PM
Connie - I pray that ALL goes well with your surgery. You are such an inspiration and I know that Gods plan for you is monumental! You are always positive and uplifting because if your faith and trust in our Heavenly Father. I give Him praise for you and the lifestyle you live for Him everyday! I pray His Blessings on you and His guidance and wisdom to your doctors who are performing this miraculous surgery. The best of everything to you always! Love in Christ, Connie Johnston
Oct 18, 2016, 9:48:17 PM
Santa cliff, you always have my aSanta - Cliff, you have my prayers for always. You will do very well. Another dear friend has had one for years and gets along very well.god'sblessings to you.
Santa Richard
Oct 18, 2016, 9:47:12 PM
Nancy - Wishing you a speedy recovery !! The greatest physician, our God is the Doctors guide... Take care and know All will be well !!
Oct 18, 2016, 9:37:21 PM
Melody - Praying for you! You made such an impression on my life during my time with you at the workshop. Praying for healing and peace!
Oct 18, 2016, 9:18:04 PM
Barbara Michael Morgan - Santa Cliff ... Our prayers are with you. I pray that the Great Physician will wrap you in his arms and keep you through your surgery and recovery.
Oct 18, 2016, 9:01:34 PM
Santa ted - My prayers are for your speedy recovery and the accuracy and expertise of your doctors. May God bless you and your ministry with this healing.
Oct 18, 2016, 8:52:48 PM
Lynn Reeder - Praying for you, Santa Cliff.
Oct 18, 2016, 8:51:43 PM
Marilyn Love - Will be keeping you in prayer Santa Cliff. You have important voices to hear.
Oct 18, 2016, 8:34:14 PM
Larry Porter Santa Bear Larry - Praying for the best results to a very special Santa.
Oct 18, 2016, 8:30:36 PM
Bobby Gilchrist - Prayers for you Mr. "Santa" Cliff A.K.A my second dad.
Oct 18, 2016, 7:58:35 PM
Ken - Cliff. Thinking about you. I am sure you will be fine. All the good you do will definitely make it work.
Oct 18, 2016, 7:57:31 PM
Santa Mark and Mrs C - We are praying for you Brother Santa!
God is good, no, God is GREAT! And He will take care of you during this journey and as usual, you will be giving back to others 1000% plus!
Keep us posted !
Santa Mark and Terry Claus
Oct 18, 2016, 6:56:17 PM
Taylor Moore - Many prayers from Reese and me <3
Oct 17, 2016, 11:36:20 PM
Don Rekeweg - Carolyn and I will cover you with our prayers. Understand your concerns
Oct 17, 2016, 11:29:57 PM
Everett Johnson - Prayers are with you my friend! I understand completely what you are missing, even with aids in both ears I still make mistakes. May God guide the hands and eyes of those caring for you.
Oct 17, 2016, 11:00:19 PM
Robert Snider - Thank you!
I am excited and nervous at the same time. I'm so thanking that I know God and my friends have my back.
Blessings,
Santa Cliff
Oct 17, 2016, 10:11:14 PM
Robert Snider - Thanks Santa Everett,
I appreciate your thought and prayers about my surgery. I'm still a little nervous about it but I know God has my back.
By the way, I have four new puzzles available. You can see them on my website at www.cliffkringle.com.
I hope you are doing well.
Blessings,
Santa Cliff
Oct 17, 2016, 10:09:25 PM
Robert Snider - Thanks Kyle,
I appreciate your thoughts and prayers. I am a little nervous about all of this but I know God has my back. I will be anxious to let you and everyone else know how it all works out.
Blessings,
Santa Cliff
Oct 17, 2016, 9:57:35 PM
Kyle Dixon - Hi Santa Cliff, I am so excited for you and will be praying for a great out come and speedy recovery. God Bless you Cliff and your minestry to children of all ages.