Dear Editor,

The front page article regarding the slashed snowman was upsetting, however, with less than one week before Christmas the true meaning of Christmas was missing from the front page of our local paper.

Last night I found myself downtown shopping. As I browsed through the store I overheard a conversation between two men. A man was asking the store manager/owner for advice on what to buy. The man was preparing for his upcoming mission. The store manager/owner suggested pencils, stickers and other small stuff for children. The customer was then asked if he was able to get enough funds to finance his mission, he had some and he was offsetting a large part of it. The store manager/owner offered to help him with some funds after his return.

I looked at my wallet to see how much cash I had with me, it was not much. I walked around the store waiting for the men to finish their conversation and to find a moment to talk to the person. I found myself at the cash register and he came up behind me. I turned around and told him I overheard he was going on a mission, he replied yes he was going to Indonesia, I told him that was really good and I gave him what I had and told him I hope it could help him. He took it with his left hand and offered me his right hand and said: “I am Nigel, what is your name?” I answered and asked him when was he leaving. He replied he was leaving on Jan. 5 and coming back sometime in early February. I wished him a great trip and left the store.

The Spirit of Christmas felt so alive. You see I do not know and have never met Nigel before, but I know Nigel does not own a starter castle or even a 1,200 square-foot home. Nigel does not wear Versace, Nigel may not own much yet what little he has he takes to go away from his comforts of here and now and goes far away to a land he does not know, to help and care for others he does not know. He is Nigel, the nice guy who cares.

Back at home I told my children about Nigel, Nigel the nice guy who cares a whole awful lot to make things happen... just like Dr. Seuss wisely once said.

I know there are many other Nigels out there and to them and to all God bless you and happy holidays!

Ana Garcia

Okotoks

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