And it isn't even Christmas yet (read story)

There's a warm story behind the nose. A former co-worker's wife, who suffered from leukemia, was hospitalized while undergoing intense treatments. In the same room was a small boy in a similar condition who was not dealing well at all with the therapy. Not only was he physically depleted, but his spirit and emotional will to live seemed to be broken as well. As it was the Christmas season, my co-worker's wife sent him down to the hospital gift shop to buy this foam red ball, which they transformed into a "Rudolph nose." Then, when the little boy was resting, they placed the red "nose" on her face and waited for the boy to awaken. When he awakened, he started giggling and laughing, they talked for a long time, and he was encouraged emotionally. While my co-worker's wife ultimately didn't make it, the little boy recovered and was able to leave the hospital. This nose represents for my friend and former co-worker one of the last wonderful memories of his wife.

A few years ago, my friend decided the "red nose" was doing him no good sitting on a shelf in his memorabilia. His wife would have wanted him to pass the nose on to another child where it could bring more smiles and happiness into young lives. That's when he gave the nose to Kristin and Kolton with the promise that they would take care of the nose and always remember the little sick boy who was able to get well-- in part, they felt, because of their silly prank. (A laugh and a smile go a long way toward emotional and physical well being.) My friend's charge to them was to use the nose to pass-on the good cheer of the Christmas season whenever they can, and to always try to be thoughtful and attentive to the needs of others.

And now you know why Kolton is smiling.