The mercy medical angels logo is blue and white

Foxtrot’s Night Before Christmas

December 11, 2019


“ ‘Twas the night before Christmas,” the old poem regales,
But our mascot, Foxtrot, has different tales.

The airport was busy, families came together
Despite the dark night and the icy cold weather.

Other dogs were at home, curled up in their beds
While visions of playtime danced in their heads.

But not Foxtrot; our mascot was sniffing about
He was on a mission to find something out.

Then from Runway B, there arose such a clatter
Foxtrot just had to see what was the matter.

Foxtrot tracked the noise, and ran even faster
Hoping that it didn’t signal disaster.

All of a sudden, he heard a new sound:
A team in distress, falling to the ground.

That’s when he realized he had to act quick
Because the commotion had come from St. Nick!

“Santa,” called Foxtrot, “calm your reindeer!”
But poor Santa panicked – he couldn’t hear.

“Whoa, Dasher! Whoa, Dancer! Whoa, Prancer and Vixen!
Whoa, Comet! Whoa, Cupid! Whoa, Donner and Blitzen!”

“Please, reindeer, calm down! We’re going to fall!
Calm down, please! Calm down, all!”

Foxtrot took off his scarf, the fabric was bright
And waved it, guiding the sleigh through the night.

Santa managed to land, under great stress
The reindeer still acted a nervous mess.

That’s when Foxtrot wondered, “What happened up there?”
Santa sighed in reply, “The reindeer were scared.”

Santa added, “People don’t care anymore
Too focused on settling their own petty scores.”

The sad sentence from Santa made Foxtrot cry.
“I care,” said Foxtrot, “do you want to know why?”

With those words, light bathed the reindeer team
Then, dimming like embers, they lost the gleam.

Foxtrot got an idea, and it gave Santa cheer:
“If care works for me, it should work for reindeer!”

“Well then, Foxtrot,” said Santa, “I know that you care.
What led you to that? Please tell me your share.”

Foxtrot thought for a good long while
Hoping his words would bring back the smile.

“Children whose illnesses leave them in tears
I go on their flights and relieve their fears.”

“Veterans who live with unseen scars
Dogs like me open doors, help them reach for the stars.”

“Cancer patients fighting so hard to live
The gift of life is the best one to give.”

A wonder occured: the more Foxtrot told
The more Santa’s reindeer stood tall, proud, and bold!

Sure enough, Santa’s broad smile came back
Foxtrot patted each reindeer, and adjusted their tack.

“Thank you, Foxtrot, now we’ll be on our way!
You’ve made a difference, and saved the holiday.”

“You’re welcome, Santa! Safe travels up there!”
Starlight on sleigh bells, they took to the air.

But Foxtrot heard kind words, from Santa in flight:
“Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night!”

Share this story with others.

Share your thoughts about this story.

Read More Patient Stories

By Stephanie Singer March 31, 2025
A memorial tribute to John Billings, by Stephanie Singer.
By Stephanie Singer March 28, 2025
She survived breast cancer, but the treatments affected her health and quality of life. Find out how Mercy Medical Angels and the Hogan Family Foundation helped her.
Brain surgery patient after receiving charitable flights to medical care
By Stephanie Singer March 27, 2025
Read how a brain surgery patient accessed a needed neurology follow-up, thanks to charitable flights from Mercy Medical Angels... in her own words.
Nevin Showman (left) and Capt. John Billings (right) in front of their plane, 49Bravo.
By Stephanie Singer March 7, 2025
Read a heartfelt letter from Nevin Showman, one of our volunteer pilots, about how he's continuing Capt. John Billings' legacy.
By Stephanie Singer February 27, 2025
InsightsCare.com recently published an interview with our President and CEO about Mercy Medical Angels.
Woman with rare stomach cancer after receiving care at MD Anderson and University of Miami
By Stephanie Singer February 19, 2025
She was diagnosed with a rare form of stomach cancer that only a few doctors in the country could effectively treat. Find out how Mercy Medical Angels helped her access the care she needed.
Man with two cancers after receiving treatment at MD Anderson in Houston thanks to volunteer pilots
By Stephanie Singer February 17, 2025
Read the story of a man suffering from cancer, who received distant care thanks to volunteer pilots... in his own words.
Woman with cancer who received treatment at Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida thanks to gas cards
By Stephanie Singer February 15, 2025
Her best shot at beating cancer was at Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida. But she couldn't afford the cost of driving there... until Mercy Medical Angels stepped in.
Cancer patient after receiving treatment at Cleveland Clinic, thanks to gas cards
By Stephanie Singer February 13, 2025
Read the story of a cancer patient who's winning her battles with help from charitable ground transportation... in her own words.
Man with multiple myeloma after receiving care, thanks to gas cards
By Stephanie Singer February 11, 2025
He was battling multiple myeloma, but couldn't afford the long drives to access treatment. Find out how Mercy Medical Angels helped him.
More Posts
Share by: