LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
- December 18, 2007
To The Editor:
When possible people are drawn to areas like ours to get away from the 'rat race and stress of modern living.' To get close to nature, uplift the spirit and appreciate creation.
Nothing does this more than when gathered around an evening summer or winter campfire gazing up, in awe of the sparkling mysterious vastness of the universe.
The accepted word 'creation' recognizes a 'creator' and appreciating creation is in essence a conversation with a creator or communicating with the mysterious Supernatural, practiced by humans from the beginning of time.
But how about the Creator revealing it's self to the ordinary person? To Christians, such a remarkable event occurred. The wisdom of it's revelation given to the unwavering trust of the nature loving shepherd and is captured in the 'Christmas Story' ushering in a way of life, purpose and hope as presented by the Christian Community throughout the ages and is celebrated any time.
Like the little Christian lady born in 1875. She suffered the loss of her husband in the first World War and like many others, with very limited means, struggled to raise her family only to see a son lost in the second World War and two other sons in the military on opposite sides on the same battlefield.
Suffering the loss of her home she became a displaced refugee in foreign lands, finally arriving in Canada at age 80. To her Canada was a marvelous Christmas gift. Though there was a language barrier for any her age, to her, going to Sunday morning and late afternoon church service was something she was eternally grateful for.
Besides, in the neighborhood was a new born infant and the little lady could come over and hold and rock the little child in her arms. The two had their own special language. Every time this happened, the joy was such it was another Christmas for the little lady.
One Sunday following an afternoon church service she was struck down by a car while crossing the street. Maybe because the loss of one of her eyes when she was a young girl impaired her judgement. Well into 80's now, her frail little battered body was not to survive the night but she did and remained in a coma for sometime but eventually completely recovered her faculties.
She remained bedridden for a year, well cared for by those gifted and privileged to do so, like those in our Princeton Ridgewood Lodge. To her another Christmas gift.
Why the little lady was struck down after paying homage and respect to her creator is an eternal mystery understandably asked by those who have lost a loved one or endured the collapse of a marriage or some other tragedy. The little lady's conviction that she was a unique child of the creator and her implicit trust in the Christmas message never ever faltered.
One Sunday afternoon after summoning her family, she invited them to join her in a simple prayer. She was opening her Christmas present. They say she gently closed her eyes. She had a smile and looked somewhat younger with a certain radiance about her.
To Christians, it seemed quite apparent the little lady moved on with the finality of receiving the ultimate Christmas gift --- of eternal peace and happiness.
What a gift -- 'Christmas'.
Regards,
Joe Schwarz, Princeton
To The Editor;
A depraved miscreant is finally convicted of second-degree murder for the ghoulish horror killings of six innocuous women.
These atrocities were committed as a regular systematic hobby and no doubt there were accomplices. Word is the public cost of convicting this fiend is $112-million and it could be more with an appeal!
This case and more charges against him and maybe others could go on for years which would be great for lawyers and the media, but it is ironic when money isn't there for affordable housing and jobs, which would reduce the shameful situation an increasing number of people are falling into.
- J. W. Noppe, Princeton
To The Editor;
Merry Christmas and best wishes to everyone in the Princeton area. Once again we would like to thank everyone for helping us to have a great year.
Princeton Hospital, Ridgewood Lodge and Penticton Hospital have all benefited from everyone's generosity.
At the Hospital Auxiliary Thrift Store our last day of business before the holidays will be Friday, December 21st and we will reopen on Wednesday, January 9th.
In order to give our hardworking members a rest we would really appreciate donations being held until after the holidays.
Have a wonderful Christmas, and may 2008 be all you wish for!
Seasons Greetings to all,
- June Manning, President, Princeton Hospital Auxiliary
