Dear Santa,
My name is Derek Shepherd. I have been a good man this year. I lied to some people, but I always asked for forgiveness. I made some mistakes at work, but I corrected them. I divorced my wife, but we remain good friends. Most of all, I agree to write you a letter tonight, even though I don't believe in Santa Claus.
This year, I would like to ask for 3 things:
1. That the woman who is sitting beside me and nosily peeking at this letter every 30 seconds will spend the rest of her life with me;
2. That vets and plastic surgeons will stay as far away from her as possible;
3. That I will not be haunted by women who resemble my sisters or anyone who would upset Meredith;
4. I actually wanted to get a new car, maybe a big house by the lake, or new scalpels. I didn't know I've already run out of space.
Mr. Santa, I think this is a very decent letter. I hope you will like it as much as she does--This woman who chuckles beside me and nudges me with her elbow is the biggest gift you've given me.
Thanks.
Derek Shepherd, MD
At Joe's Bar, Seattle