It was New Years Day. My young family and I were in a convoy of about fifteen east-bound cars struggling through a north-shore snow storm on Highway 17 near
Montreal River.

           With the gap between the gas needle and ‘E’ shrinking, I was looking forward to topping-up at a well-known fuelling stop that had a small restaurant.

           In unison, the convoy swung left and up the small hill to the gas station. It was
closed.

           While we milled about, I learned that other vehicles were also very low on fuel. Many needed a bathroom break.

          Another driver and I approached a nearby mobile home where we hoped to be directed to the station’s owner.

         We were speaking to him!

          When the proprietor saw the yard full of cars and understood our situation, he gladly opened up.

         While we took turns filling up, people from other mobile homes brought food to the cafe. In a matter of minutes hot coffee and hot chocolate joined the impromptu buffet on the small counter.

          No charge was implied or requested.

          Mothers with young children welcomed the use of the washroom facilities.

          We paid for the fuel and gladly donated generously towards the food and kindness.

          Handshakes and hugs accompanied heart-felt greetings of ‘Happy New Years’.

         Half an hour or so later, we resumed our travels with full tanks, full tummies, and hearts full of warm Canadian hospitality.

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