Dear Editor:
On Christmas Eve day, my roommate and I stopped in at a local veterinary hospital for a bag of special dental care food for our cat. As a low-income worker, I've always cringed at the $25 price of a modest bag, but this year, with my job of 30-odd years evaporating and our Christmas virtually cancelled, it seemed particularly expensive.
"Sorry," said the staffer, lugging a large sack out from the back, "this is the only size we have." It was well over twice our regular size, and more than $50.
"No," I said, "I just can't afford that right now." She offered to find us a vet with small bags in stock, and while she was on the phone, a young man neither of us had seen before strode up to the counter. He slid $25 onto it and asked if that was about the difference between the two sizes. When I agreed it was, he headed for the door with a big smile and a "Merry Christmas!" We gushed our surprised thanks and best Christmas wishes as he quickly left, my friend being moved to tears.
I don't know if this stranger was "paying forward" some help once given him or simply embodying the spirit of Christmas, but I want him to know how much his generosity meant to us, and that once I am able, I will repay it to someone else who needs a little help.
Wendy Magnall, North Vancouver
