Editor's Note

Last week, I was at Square One doing some serious window shopping. After I looked at several stuffed monkeys and teddy bears with red hearts, dazzling red roses, sparkling jewellery and boxes of sinfully delicious chocolates, I decided to divert my mind and get a bite to eat at the food court. As I passed some more stores, I secretly hoped to receive something really nice for Valentines this year. I settled for a Tuna sandwich and sat down at the quietest corner I could find. Biting into my sandwich and taking a sip of my coke, I looked over to my right where an elderly couple was having their lunch. I tried not to stare but it seemed like the lady had more on her plate than she could ingest. The poor man sitting opposite her was watching her tear pieces of chicken with her fingers. I looked away feeling a little awkward but then when I looked back at them for the second time, I saw her putting the pieces of the shredded chicken onto a plate in front of the man saying “Now, chew nicely.” He replied slowly, “Thanks Sweetheart…I’ll get us some more napkins”. He walked carefully to the nearest store and brought back some napkins. He gave her some to wipe her hands with and then neatly opened up a napkin and placed it on her lap. She smiled at him as he placed a light kiss on her cheek.

It was a small gesture but it seemed like the sweetest thing I’d ever seen. I now stared at this couple, who were chewing slowly at their food and talking to each other like they were on a date. Their eyes filled with so much love for each other and then it struck me …my mind went back to all those expensive gifts I’d seen and I thought to myself of how materialistic we’ve become… if there were no red roses or fancy dinner or a diamond ring, then it was not Valentine’s Day! But here this couple, sharing this moment and their little gestures, really touched my heart. This was a Kodak moment!

There’s nothing more than to have someone to care for you.

Likewise, DYM’s February issue covers a story of how a youth group demonstrates their caring side. The Meditating Minds make a difference by building awareness through their song and lyrics. A modern Shakespearean play is produced by another youth for the Speech and Stuttering Institute of Ontario, read more about it on page 26 and the famous duo Bilz and Kashif raise funds for ‘War Child’ though their single “One Voice”. Last but not the least, the South Asian Alliance Culture show their support for the Canadian Cancer Society, check out the exclusive middle page pull-out of their 2009 team profiles.

For this February, take a stand and make a little difference…show someone you care too!

Happy Valentine’s Day!