The winter of 1945 was much like the winters that preceded it at our homestead in Alberta’s Peace River, with an abundance of snow accompanied by freezing temperatures making any type of travel difficult.
Although my parents must have been hard pressed to provide us with gifts at Christmas, they always managed to get me and my seven siblings a number of small treasures every year.
I was the youngest and at age five, I don’t remember what I received that year, but I do know that all of us were excited that Christmas morning as we were every year.
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As soon as Mom lit the mantle lamp and stoked the wood stove, we were out of our beds and around the sparsely decorated tree, eager to see what goodies Santa had provided.
Later that day as Mom was preparing our holiday dinner, we saw two figures approaching on our snowy road.
We soon recognized our neighbours, a young war widow and her seven–year-old daughter, with a large intriguing box in tow.
My parents welcomed them inside and the pair gave the wrapped box to me, explaining that Santa had left it at their house by mistake.
My first feeling was that of annoyance that Santa could have made such an error, but that gave way to awe and excitement as I opened the box to discover a baby doll inside, all dressed in white.
I named the doll Nellie and I loved her for years.
Our neighbours didn’t stay for Christmas dinner but hurried off to complete the two mile walk home before dark settled in.
To this day, I can still see these two figures trudging through the snow down that lonely farm road, sacrificing the warmth and comfort of their own home to make this holiday so special for me.
Whenever I think about good neighbours, I think of their act of kindness for a poor homestead child.
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Merry Christmas &Happy New Year
GeorgeRogers,MLA
Proud to serve the residents of the Leduc-Beaumont-Devon Constituency.
Constituency Office: #54, 5203 -50 St.
Leduc, AB T9E 6Z5 Phone: (780) 986-4652 Fax: (780) 986-5228
Email: leduc.beaumontdevon@assembly.ab.ca
Legislature Office: 503 Legislature Building
10800 -97 Ave.
Edmonton, AB T5K 2B6 Phone: (780) 422-2229
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Enjoy a wonderful holiday season with family and friends. We’re very grateful to you for your support, and look forward to serving you in the New Year.
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