Dear Editor,
These days, when there are feelings of fear and misinformation about others of different religions or skin colour, I experienced a wonderful story of human kindness.
On April 11, after leaving a group-support session at the Vancouver Cancer Clinic, I went for a walk along Broadway. Passing a store called Rosewood Furniture Outlet, I decided to go in and began a conversation with a young man of Indian ancestry.
I was relieved when he told me that the furniture, constructed in India, was made under safe, healthy, unionized conditions. I drifted further into the store and after a while, he approached me and asked: “Are you alright?”.
I paused, and then said, “No, I’m not. My 51-year-old daughter, Trish, died last night, from cancer.”
His eyes immediately filled with tears. He introduced himself Diamond Paye and asked if it would be alright to give me a hug?
I gratefully said yes. Shortly after, he asked if I would like a cup of tea.
After I finished the tea....he said: “If you will accept it, I would like to send you home by taxi.”
I explained that I had come on the Canada Line and lived in Richmond, and that it was far too expensive. He didn’t bat an eye, phoned for a taxi, then paid the fare and tip to the driver.
He held the door open for me, and wished me: “God Speed.”
He set a wonderful example of how we need to be kind to each other.
Ann Mackie
Richmond
