Dear Editor,
Today, I listened to one of my favourite Christmas songs. It is about a child who “wants a hippopotamus for Christmas;” it is about a child’s faith in an old man who drives a sleigh through Christmas night, delivering wonderful gifts.
The child also believes that even the wildest wish can be granted on that magical night.
It made me think about what I want for Christmas. I have long since grown out of wishing for zoo animals and I have pretty much everything that I need. I would like peace.
I have seen the absence of peace, and I want my family to be safe. Not a big ask, really. And then I thought about the men and women who will be driving around Christmas night delivering just that!
When I am enjoying time with family, they will be away from theirs — in some cases, thousands of kilometres away.
When I am enjoying all the food of the festive season, they will be dining on a sandwich, because cafes and donut shops are not open.
To top it off, human emotions and alcohol make this a dangerous season for police.
While the child has faith in Santa, I have faith in that white car with the red and blue lights and our RCMP members in it.
They do not just deliver peace one night a year. They deliver it 365 days a year. And while they do not come down the chimney, they will come to your door anytime, day or night.
I would like to thank the Richmond RCMP for the gift of peace!
Scott Stewart
Richmond
