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Note: The following was provided by Larry Nunn.
On December 27th 1943, a man & his son were walking down the snow covered street in a small southern Ontario town. It was Monday afternoon, and winter darkness was settling in. Unusually busy for a Monday, and bitterly cold, crowds of people rushing here and there exchanging Christmas presents for the correct size, or a different colour. Bells tinkled and bright cheerful Christmas lights flickered. People still had on their happy faces, that magically only seem to appear at this particular time of the year. By the middle of next week the magic would be gone. The New Year would have been ushered in, and the reality of the war would once again dominate the daily headlines. The man spotted him first. A small lad, perhaps a year or two younger then his own son, his neck tucked down into his shoulders for warmth, his hands thrust deep into the pockets of a well worn jacket. On his feet a pair of black canvas running shoes, the soles , or what was left of them held on with pieces of binder twine. The man with out hesitation put his hand on the lads shoulder, and led him into Laws family footwear which so happened to be just a few doors from where they were standing. In short order the young lad was fitted with a brand new pair of black leather high cuts, and some nice dry wool socks. Happy New Year he said to the man, calling him by name and thanks, thanks so much. It turns out the man, had known the young lads family, and the boys father, a Canadian merchant marine, had been killed in October when their ship was sunk by a Nazi U Boat in the North Atlantic. Driving home later that day the man and his son had happy faces on that would last a lot longer than a few weeks because they both knew that one act of kindness can last a life time.
That man was Asa Nunn, and I know this story is true, because I was there, and I am his son.
Larry Nunn
Happy New Year everyone. May 2009 treat you real fine.
Marg&Larry
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