2 wheelchairs, 1 connection: Carmela’s Magical Santa Land turns 2 strangers into friends

LONGVIEW, Texas (KLTV) - A chance meeting, a shared experience, and a Christmas connection that means more than words can say.

For two East Texans born decades apart, their similar lifestyles were brought together by a popular Christmas light exhibit.

A Chance Meeting Creates a Christmas Connection

“You’re making it all about them. And so many times, it’s not. And this is a time to make them feel like we should: special,” Carmela Davis, owner and operator of Carmela’s Magical Santa Land said.

For kids, Christmas usually means one thing...

“It’s magical! It is, isn’t it?” K.J. Johnson, annual attendee said.

And at Carmela’s Magical Santa Land, for kids like K.J. Johnson... it’s a chance to celebrate just like everyone else.

“Every single year, I’m here! See I’m even here this year!” Johnson said.

Davis puts a focus on her guests with special needs, making sure her light trails are accessible for all.

“You just are embraced with the lights and the different colors and the scenes, and that’s all you think about. So all of a sudden you’re kinda free from all those worries,” Davis said.

K.J. was born with spina bifida and at seven years old his positivity has a way of reaching people of all ages.

“What can you get other than joy? It’s always inspirational, even as a grown man in a wheelchair...” Shane Gumby, Carmela’s Magical Santa Land employee said.

Gumby lost his leg in an accident. He and K.J. met by chance one night, forming an instant connection.

“We know our normal life, y’all have y’all’s normal life,” Gumby said. “Having somebody that can level the playing field and understand the emotions, the difficulties behind the day-to-day life...it’s a bond that happens automatically between any wheelchair user because it’s a little piece of life we share together.”

For Johnson, Carmela’s Santa Land is a chance to just be a kid.

For Gumby, it’s become something more.

Earlier this year, Davis gave Gumby a chance to be part of the magic, finding a way for him to set up lights from his wheelchair.

“It really turned in to something that gave him a purpose too. And now that he see it all lit up and see kids like KJ and others really enjoy it has meant a lot to him,” Davis said.

Because sometimes, the greatest gift isn’t under the tree. It’s finding someone who understands.

“I’ve spent 19-20 hours hand wrapping one decoration and KJ, seeing him, it pays it all off,” Gumby said.

Carmela’s Magical Santa Land in Longview is open now through January 4.

Admission is free and donations are encouraged — and if you run into Shane or K.J., make sure to say hi!