Patricia was sitting at a table in the mall watching people. At times she was openly staring at the people who walked by her table.  As someone who also enjoys people watching, I knew she would be perfect to write in my journal. She seemed slightly suspicious and didn’t want herself identified except for her first name. After writing a note, we talked for a small time and I gave her directions to pick up her grandson.

My name is Patricia and i am 75 years old. I’ve never been to this mall before but I have to kill three hours. I had to drop my grandson off at a drug ed. class and visitors are not allowed. He is a good kid as all Grandmothers say. I do not live in Gastonia so I am nervous about finding my way back. A very polite young lady asked me to write a note-God bless her.

I was walking to work from the train late last month when who before my wondering eyes should appear? But Santa…in a carriage…in July…in downtown Salt Lake. Naturally I approached him and asked what the jolly old elf was doing so far south this time of year.

Santa was in town for a Christmas in July event at a nearby homeless shelter and was waiting for Mrs. Claus to show up (she was running quite late). If I remember correctly, he had been bringing cheer to those in the shelter for two years (this was his third). The event was sponsored by the Salt Lake Board of Realtors.

I asked Santa if he’d write in my journal and he was more than happy to. I was impressed with his composure – despite being in his full wardrobe, Santa dealt with the hot July heat very well. Not something I’d expect from someone who lives in the Arctic 364 days a year.

It’s nice to know that Santa is still out and about doing good and trying to bring comfort to people who are in need of comfort and cheer – regardless of the time of year. There’s a lesson to be learned from his example.

Here’s what he had to say:

“Santa in July

I love it any time of year. Today is for the homeless shelter which is great for me. I have been doing this for 15 years. It’s been great with (?) many fun experiences. You’ve got to love people, especially the kids. They are so fun to be around. I love it.

Santa”

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This weekend my wife, son and I went on a hike around Silver Lake in Big Cottonwood Canyon. Just as we started on the trail heading around the lake we met Jim, a forest ranger.

Jim is an older gentleman and was wearing a forest ranger uniform, sunglasses, a straw hat and a neatly trimmed goatee. He was quick to say hello and ask how we were doing. We chatted for a bit and then continued walking. After we made the loop we caught up with Jim when I explained my project and asked if he’d write in my journal. He agreed.

Jim is the kind of guy who’s been around a while and seems to know everybody. After six years of working as a naturalist he seems quite at home at the ranger station and has a big leather office chair tucked in near a window where I watched him sit back to eat his brown bag lunch and write. Jim’s a popular guy – he could barely get a line down without someone coming up to talk to him.

“Jim is my friend,” a man from Hong Kong explained in a thick Chinese accent. This friend of Jim’s had a question about a particular kind of tree he’d seen while hiking (aspen) and Jim was quick to get to his feet to find a book to explain the finer points of the trees.

I think a half dozen or so people approached Jim to chat while I was waiting for him to finish his entry. He was friendly and patient with all of them – a testament to his good nature. Here’s what he wrote:

“Jim Light, Silver Lake

In the summer I work at Silver Lake in Big Cottonwood Canyon as a naturalist. This has been the best job that I ever had!!

My wife and I owned the Silver Fork Lodge for 35 years. During that time we raised our two sons – when they were old enough to go out on their own we sold the lodge and bought a house in the Silver Fork Community which we still live in.

Our sons are grown now. Luther lives in New Mexico, Ruidoso. His wife is a veterinarian and he takes care of the house and their 7 month-old son. He is also building a garage and workshop and plans on building a new house in the future out of earth blocks which he makes himself.

Our other son lives in Portland, Oregon. His wife is expecting their first child in the near future.”

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