I was thinking about Elina and remembered how in 2000, Cole and Heidi lived at Vic Park/Lawrence and I spent some time with the family as I worked nearby. One day Mamma ji, Elina, Emilia, and I went to the Tim Hortons near their house. The girls were excited to get a donut. There was a homeless man outside the Tim Hortons. Elina asked why he was there and Mamma ji explained he didn't have anywhere to live. Elina asked if she could give her donut to the man. Mamma ji said yes and that would be a very nice thing to do. Then Elina asked if she gave her donut away would she get another one. She was only 6 at the time so it was natural for a child to want to know they would still get their own donut when they did not get them regularly. Mamma ji said that she should decide whether she wanted to give her donut away or keep it for herself. In that moment I could tell Mamma ji wanted to teach her to do for others regardless of what she might get out of it. Elina thought for a few moments and I could tell she was weighing her options. She decided that she wanted to give her donut to the homeless man even if it meant it would be another week before she would get to go back to Tim Hortons. Elina walked outside, gave the man a warm smile, and her donut. Emilia, watching the whole time, decided to follow in her big sister's footsteps, and also gave her donut to the man. The girls ended up with a whole box of Timbits and Mamma ji told them how proud he was of their generosity and their decision to do the right thing. It warmed my heart to watch Elina care about someone's ill fortune and want to do something to help him. Even at the age of 6, Elina was such a kind, warm, and thoughtful person. Although she is no longer here, her spirit, kindness, and loving nature will always live on. Noel (416-887-4350)