Our Manamko’ St. Nick left us on Jan. 22, 2011. He left us in his sleep at home. He didn’t look like the familiar “jolly old St. Nicolas” of the North Pole. He didn’t look like Arthur Fiedler of the popular “Boston Pops.” His look was unique. He looked like himself, Jessie L. Kisa, of Susupe. He walked slowly. But when he put on his Santa Claus outfit, he straightened up and walked with a bounce and was happy.
He was the Santa Claus of the Manamko’ Center, and he showed it. He enjoyed that assignment every time, every year, since the year he joined the center. He loved meeting visitors and guests, like the Korean ladies association, U.S. Congressman Greg “Kilili” Sablan, members of the Saipan Rotary Club, members of the CNMI Legislature, etc.
Shortly before Jess died, he and I focused on our homework in the computer classroom at the center until lunch time. Jess didn’t stop until he completed writing his life story.
Jess, the following morning, I was shocked when they told me that you passed away the night before. At the center, our coordinator, Mr. Walter Manglona, read the story you wrote the day before with tears in his eyes. My friend Jess Kisa, you and I now leave each other, but you will always be in my heart and mind.
Our friendship was wonderful, and the memory, sweet. Everyone at the Manamko’ Center won’t forget you, especially at Christmas time as we look around for the whereabouts of our Santa Claus, you. We enjoyed going caroling with you at CHC so that we made the patients happy, especially during the Christmas holiday. The patients at CHC really enjoyed your mean harmonica as you played “Jingle Bells.” You made everyone happy and renewed the meaning of Christmas.
TEDDY GUIAO
Navy Hill, Saipan
