To the editor:
Last summer, I was going through a rough time in my relationship and was at a point where I needed to make a serious decision.
One day, I was driving around aimlessly, my head slow, tired and sore from emotions. Though the sun was shining bright, I didn’t seem to notice, or appreciate it, too much.
I pulled into the Tim Hortons beside the County Fair Mall, to get a coffee.
I didn’t feel like being around people, so I sat on the curb next to my vehicle to think some more.
As I sat there weeping, thinking I was alone and unnoticed, an older man came from inside and walked in my direction.
I realized he had seen me and feeling a bit foolish, I quickly tried to compose myself as he approached me. He sat down next to me, and with a thick French accent asked me why I was crying.
I told him I was just sad, I guess. He asked what I had to be sad about, and proceeded no ask the reasons.
“Are you sick?”
I answered, no.
“Did someone pass away?”
I answered, no.
“Are you married?”
I answered, no but am in a relationship.
He then asked, “Do you have relationship troubles?”
I answered, “I do, and am trying to make a decision on what it is I should do.”
He then asked, “Do you believe in God?”
I responded confidently that I do. He began to tell me about his marriage, and how he and his wife had been together for many years. She drove him nuts a lot of the time, they argued and did their own things. But they stayed together through the hard times, and he even wondered why sometimes.
I sat there, listening and curious, as he had slowly started to make me feel better.
During our conversation the man’s sister and her husband approached on bicycles. They spoke to each other in French, and I could tell from the very little I understood, that he was talking about me.
His sister looked at me with sympatheitc eyes and a smile, as they said goodbye and biked away.
The man too, had to leave, so I thanked him generously. He gave me the most reassuring, loving hug, and we said goodbye.
I am writing this letter, because maybe by some miracle the man I am writing about will read this and know that it is him.
I think about that day often, and how a complete stranger can be so caring.
I know that God is always by our sides, and believe he sends earth angels to see us through when we need a hand.
This kind and loving stranger was mine, and I can still feel that love when I am feeling sad or alone. I never asked his name, but want to thank him for making that day one I will cherish and never forget. I can say now how much I appreciate that sunny day.
Marita Jamsa,
Thunder?Bay
