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It's the StoryCorps podcast from NPR.

I'm Camila Kashani.

This week we have a shorter episode for you.

We're going to hear a story about two men who first met around the holidays, 30 years

ago.

Back in 1989, right at the height of the AIDS crisis, Mark Woodley was caring for his best friend,

who was dying from the virus.

At the same time, he was also dealing with his own HIV status.

And then he saw an ad in the village voice, looking for Macy's Santas.

I thought I'll apply for that, because it's hard to be depressed when you're around

an excited little kid.

It was just magical.

You know, little kids coming in and the wonder in their eyes.

And I was part of that.

I've never been so loved.

I mean, it was love for Santa, but I was the recipient.

Mark was invited back the next year.

...