Mom Takes Dying Son To See Santa, Then Finds Note On Car That Leaves Her In Tears

A mother’s attempt to bring joy to her terminally ill son turned bittersweet after she discovered a cruel note on her car following a heartwarming visit with Santa.

Seven-year-old Garrett Coons, who has been battling Batten disease—a rare, fatal neurological disorder—loved Christmas and especially looked forward to meeting Santa each year. His mother, Nancy, made it her mission to create lasting memories during his final months, as the disease had already taken away his ability to walk and left him wheelchair-bound.

On a chilly December morning, Nancy took Garrett to the mall for what might be his last Santa visit. Santa greeted him warmly, listened to his wishes, and shared in his joy. For a brief time, the weight of Garrett’s diagnosis faded away.

But that joy turned to heartbreak when Nancy returned to her car to find a cruel message scrawled in red lipstick across the windshield: “You shouldn’t be parked here. Leave these spots for people who actually need them.”

Despite having a valid handicap permit, Nancy was met with ignorance and judgment. “I couldn’t believe it,” she said. “How could someone be so cruel without knowing our story?”

Fortunately, Garrett was still glowing from his Santa visit and never saw the note. Nancy quietly cleaned the windshield and chose not to let the hateful message overshadow their special day.

The mall apologized and promised to investigate, but for Nancy, the incident underscored the need for empathy and awareness. Since Garrett’s diagnosis, the family has raised over $100,000 through a nonprofit to support Batten disease research.

“Garrett doesn’t have much time,” Nancy said. “Every smile, every moment matters.”

Her story serves as a powerful reminder: a little kindness can mean everything.