Single dad of daughter (10) whose Xmas list was for her mom back

I'm a single dad who has full custody of my two children. Their mom and I split about 3 years ago. She is suffering from mental health and addiction issues, and has been unable to get help. I will add that she had been an excellent mother, until one day she just kinda snapped (after using a certain drug for the first time).My kids typically spend one night every other weekend with their maternal grandmother. I believe an effort is made to see their mother during these visits. They don't always see her, but probably do 2/3 times, and theyll spend a few hours together with her and their gma. It seems to be a positive experience. I haven't spoken to their mother in over a year, so I don't know how is actually is.Anyways. My daughter wrote her letter to Santa. When I asked to see her list, she refused. Anyways, I told her today that I would be mailing the letters, so I let her seal hers and she gave it to me. Obviously I needed to see the letter. She still believes in Santa, but I know she's hearing he's fake, etc. I want her to enjoy it as long as she can.Anyways, the list. She wrote Santa a really heart felt letter. She asked for two things. She explained how badly she wants her mommy to love with her again, and went on to say "so please please Santa... But that won't happen so..." and then asked for a goldfish. Saying she wants to have someone to talk to when she's lonely.She's not a shy kid, she's very social, but clearly she's hurting more than I know. I'm going to explore some counselling options for her, but I'm really trying to figure out what Santa should do in this situation. I need to balance the fact that I want to do good now with her also learning in the next year or two that it wasn't Santa, it was me.I've been crushed by this letter today. Absolutely devastated, and I've cried three times thinking about it. So my mind is racing...I want to write a letter to her. I want to write it from me, but sign it as Santa. Something that she could treasure for now as being from Santa, but then when she reads it in the future, she can know it was me saying something important. So you know, no elves or reindeer in the letter, something like I've watched you grow, I know it's been hard since your mom left, I know you're sad... Your mom loves you, and sometimes parents can't be there for their children all the time, but your mom shows her love by knowing that you are in good hands, with someone who can be there for you, etc. Treasure your time with her, and always tell her you love her. She loves you, and she needs to know that you love her.That's really rough, and something I'll tailor over the next little while. I just want to know if you guys think this is a good way to handle it, or what else I should do.Thanks in advance! via /r/Parenting https://ift.tt/2K5qo8g