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Topic: A
Message For Cathie
It
was Christmas, 1968. I had just emigrated from England to Canada, and I
didn't know a soul. As Christmas day approached, I felt homesick and
lonely in a strange city. Being of the Jewish faith, my family never
really celebrated Christmas, but mother always cooked the traditional
kosher turkey. No tree or presents. We only listened to the Queen's
message.
I
had begun working in a Montreal law office. The young girl who sat next
to me was 19, six years my junior, but seemed more my contemporary. A
few days before Christmas, I became melancholy. "What's
wrong?" Cathie asked one snowy morning. "I just feel down
about being alone for Christmas." "Then spend it with my
family," she blurted out. "Thanks. But you can't invite
strangers over." "We always take in strays at Christmas."
I didn't know whether to laugh or cry. I felt like a stray cat with no
home. "We're having our neighbour over too. Her husband just died,
and we don't want her to be alone either," Cathie went on.
So,
on Christmas day, Cathie's father picked me up. My first real Christmas
in the home of strangers. I was excited. The place looked like a winter
wonderland - outside a snowman - inside a carefully decorated Christmas
tree with loads of presents underneath, and even one with my name on it.
I placed my gift with the others. An elderly lady was there. The other
"stray," I thought. All in all, I spent three wonderful
Christmas dinners with Cathie's family before I moved to Vancouver. I
didn't even miss the Queen's message. Cathie Watters, wherever you are
now, I truly hope that this Christmas will be as memorable and wonderful
as the ones you made for me.
Article
Reference:
Title: First Christmas in Canada
Data Source: Pioneer News, Christmas 2001, Vol 24 No. 2, HSBC Bank
Canada
CD Supplier ID: 17533
Typist Or Article Provider: Don Johnson
If these words have been a blessing, please forward them to a friend
These words were posted at one of Shepherd's Care Ministries Sites
called Wisdom Moment. This site is located at:
http://www.findthepower.com/wisdomminute
Shepherd's Care Ministries Main Site located at:
http://www.findthepower.com/ |
