By now, most people have heard about Eric Schmitt-Matzen, the Tennessee Santa Claus who visited a 5-year-old, terminally ill boy in the hospital and held him as he passed away.

In an interview with NBC News, Schmitt-Matzen recounts the details of his visit with the young boy. It is clear the experience had a profound impact on him.

Between bouts of tears, Schmitt-Matzen discusses how he handed the little boy a present, told him he was Santa’s number one elf, reassured him that he would get through the pearly gates, held him as he passed away after asking Santa to help him, and ran out of the hospital immediately afterward, too overcome with emotion to remain.

For parents, the story is almost too heartbreaking to bear. It is a reminder to send up prayers to those families who need them most this holiday season and to hold our loved ones tight.

See the video interview below.