Write On!

              artificial Christmas tree dotted with a few colored lights and a
single decoration of a tiny two- inch angel's head on the very top
spike of the tree.
He spoke Czech, to the complete delight of the whole
family. He explained that he, too, was a Czech immigrant of a
number of years and that he had sought out a family such as theirs
to welcome to Canada at this special season!
It was as if the world had turned!
Someone understood them and what they were going
through! Chatting excitedly, everyone trying to get a word in
edgewise ( even the children) it was soon understood that they were
all to come with him to share Christmas dinner, along with his wife.
Arriving at an acreage north of the city, Marie and Slavo felt the
warmth and friendliness of these two wonderful people who had
just popped into their new life. Contentment and peace filled their
hearts. Presents for the children magically were found under the
tree- a truck for Slavo Jr. and a doll for Jana. The innocent children
seemed to have little awareness of what had just taken place, as they
excitedly clutched at the wonderful gifts given them by the friendly
gray- haired couple who soon would become their Canadian
Grandma and Grandpa! Now these special new friends insisted
that the family stay with them till the New Year and. later, were to
become the catalysts that helped their fellow countrymen establish
a small apartment and meager furnishings in Edmonton. He
convinced Slavo to take English classes that also offered a wage of
75 dollars a month, to aid in living expenses. Every weekend, for
years to come, this new immigrant family would be driven out to
the acreage- participate in yard work, housework, anything they
could help with- and then enjoy the bounties of good food, pure
friendship and, best of all, was the sharing of memories of their old
homeland. Slavo Jr. had the most glorious job of sitting on
Grandpa's lap as he ' helped* drive his Choo Choo ( the garden
tractor) around the lawn! And so began the Czech family's new life
in Canada, in a very much better atmosphere than had been
originally.
The crystal vase, an exquisite and valuable piece of art
strangely enough was of little interest to any people in this country-
- so was never sold. Marie keeps this vase in a very special place of
honour to this very day.
I had the extreme fortune to become a friend of Marie's
over 12 years ago. I found her to be a very charming, interesting
and knowledgeable lady. I always noticed her special attention and
consideration of the Christmas season, recognizing that many of us