Also, Phillip paused the construction of his family’s dream home and sold their apartment to live in an old apartment where he paid monthly rent.

He and his kids struggled daily and barely managed to feed and survive. They could have been forgiven for fearing the worst would befall them.

However, just when it seemed like all hope was lost, everything changed for them one Christmas morning when Phillip heard a knock on the door.

He was not expecting anyone as he rarely had visitors except those he owed money to. Hence, he took a while to open the door. When he finally opened it, he found a man dressed as Santa Claus at the door and was shocked.

Santa said, “Good morning, Phillip. Here is a gift for you from someone who really loves you. Merry Christmas!”

Phillip could not believe his eyes and ears and argued with Santa, saying, “This must either be a joke or a mistake, Santa. I believe you are at the wrong house. I don’t have a family who would think of sending us something. We have spent many Christmases here alone.”

Santa patiently listened to Phillip as he argued and told him not to be so judgemental because he never could tell that there were people who cared about him.

Santa urged Phillip never to lose hope and handed him a letter. Phillip became irritated and believed Santa was a scammer. Just as he was about to shut the door on Santa’s face, he was distracted by the address on the envelope containing the letter.

He discovered the letter was really meant for him but wondered who could have sent it. He opened the letter to reveal its contents and found a year’s health insurance and a cash gift of $100,000 for house renovations.

Phillip was shocked at what he had just seen and called out to Santa, who was already leaving. He asked Santa, “Please, can you tell me who sent the letter and the gifts to me?”

Santa agreed but said he would do so if Phillip made him a cup of tea in exchange. Phillip agreed and welcomed the man into his home. He made a cup of tea and served him.

While sipping the tea, the man disguised as Santa told Phillip that one of the wealthiest men in New Jersey, Jake Murphy, 80, sent him.

Murphy’s wife died in a vehicle collision three years ago, and he set up a foundation in her honor. The foundation assisted needy families annually. This was because Murphy did not have kids and was always lonely following his wife’s passing. Hence, he decided to make a difference in someone’s life every Christmas season.

That year, Margaret’s sister shared Phillip’s story during a live radio show, and Murphy decided to help him.

Phillip became emotional after hearing about the genesis of everything. Immediately, he called Margaret’s sister and thanked her for sharing his story.

Also, he invited Murphy over for Christmas dinner. Murphy accepted the invitation and showed up looking excited. Afterward, he regularly visited Phillip and his triplets and cared for them. The triplets grew fond of Murphy and called him their grandpa.

Phillip quit his low-paying job as a lawyer’s assistant and started working at Murphy’s company. He grew wealthy and was able to raise his kids.

What can we learn from this story?

• Love and not blood builds families. A family is united by love and not necessarily by blood. This is evident in how Phillip’s triplets addressed Murphy as their grandpa because of how he cared for them. Also, Murphy regarded Phillip as a family member despite just knowing him.
• Never give up. Life gets so hard sometimes that one might be tempted to give up. However, it is best never to let go but keep striving and believing that things will change for the better, just as it did in Phillip’s case.