Dear Santa

Dear Santa,

I know you get many letters from kids, but I wonder just how many letters you get from adults. Just so you know…you're getting one from an adult now. Though I am now in my early thirties, I really never stopped believing in you, especially the magic that you help to bring out during this time of year. I am an incredibly blessed person, so I really don't want to ask you for much.

For myself, I would just like continued good health and happiness…for my family and close friends, too.

For my captain, Captain Stanley, I would like you to help him deal with his sense of paranoia. He's a great captain, but sometimes he gets a little too wound up…if you know what I mean. Also, if you can help him to conquer his dislike of seafood, that would be great. I have so many great recipes that I would like to cook for the guys, but because of his true dislike for fish, I am a little limited in what I make…see what you can do about that.

For our engineer, Mike Stoker, I would like you to bring him a nice girl. He's a good guy, and I think a steady girl would make him really happy. I also think some lessons on how to pitch would be great…then if we get into another bind during our baseball game, we would at least have Mike to fall back on.

For our senior paramedic, Roy DeSoto, I would like for him to be able to have a few shifts where he didn't have to worry so much about his partner. I would also like a few more shifts for him where he didn't have to listen to his partner rant about whatever it is that he is obsessing over at the time.

For my good friend, Chet Kelly, I would like him to either get a new book on practical jokes, as the ones he is using now, mainly water bombs, are getting rather stale…or for him to just lay off the jokes altogether for at least a few months. I would also like him to get a serious girlfriend, then he would be less apt to harass the rest of us.

And finally for John Gage…where do I start? First, I think I would like for him to experience a few months where he didn't get hurt, or even banged up. Secondly, I would love for his partner Roy to let him drive the squad a few times…he really is a good driver. I would also like it if he came up with some more creative remarks and practical jokes of his own. The battle of wills and wits between Johnny and Chet often gets tiring…but if we at least had some new material to laugh at…oh, and one last thing…a cookbook for him. He can't cook a lick, but perhaps if he had some new inspiration.

And lest we forget about our station mascot, dear sweet Henry. I would like you to give him some more energy, or at least a sense of urgency…after all he DOES live in a fire station, for goodness sakes. He's a good dog, but sometimes I really wonder.

I guess that's all. Keep up the good work, Santa…I still believe.

Always,

Marco Lopez