So I’m on Laurier Street tonight, trying to cross the busy road at a pedestrian crosswalk. I make it halfway through but I have to stop in the middle of the street because the cars coming towards me won’t stop, even though I have priority. (Quebec drivers really don’t know about the rules for pedestrian crosswalks. We really need a special TV ad campaign to let them know about this simple principle. Maybe Tout le monde en parle could mention it sometime, just to reach as many drivers as possible? It would do a big public service.)
Five or six cars pass me without slowing down. Finally, an SUV comes towards me. I notice with surprise that it is losing speed and finally stops to give me the right of way. I make eye contact with the driver to thank him. It’s Santa. Santa Claus is behind the wheel, fully decked out with the red hat, the beard and all. I give him my warmest smile. He gives me a little hand wave.
Dear Santa: I forgive you for driving an SUV. Your good manners almost make up for your vehicle’s emissions.